Bulgaria and Romania have received permission to join the Schengen Area, Europe’s passport-free zone, starting in March, Associated Press reports.
Austria had previously blocked their entry over concerns about illegal immigration. Initially, the border-free travel zone will apply to travelers arriving by air and sea, with ongoing negotiations between Austria and the two countries regarding land border checks.
The move is seen as a significant step toward integration within the European Union. The Schengen Area, established in 1985, includes 23 EU member countries and four non-EU nations, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
