Understanding Romania’s EU Membership and Schengen Status

Many people have asked the question, ldquo;Why isn’t Romania part of the European Union?rdquo; Ignorance and a lack of current information often lie at the core of such misplaced queries. Romania has indeed been a member of the EU since 2007 and has been part of NATO since 2004. This article aims to clarify the misconceptions surrounding Romaniarsquo;s EU membership and its status in the Schengen zone.

Romania and the EU

As a member of the European Union, Romania is bound by the policies and laws of the EU, just like any other member. Romania joined the EU on January 1, 2007, alongside Bulgaria. The integration process has been ongoing, and the Romanian government has been working towards adopting the Euro, the official currency of the EU, once the country meets the necessary criteria.

It is important to note that joining the Eurozone is not mandatory for EU member states, as only Denmark and the UK (now exited) have been granted an opt-out. Romaniarsquo;s government has been actively working on adopting the Euro, which is a step towards full compliance with EU policies.

EU Euro Convergence Criteria

Before Romania can adopt the Euro, it must meet the four European Union Euro Convergence Criteria as outlined in Article 140 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. These criteria include:

Meeting these criteria will ensure that Romaniarsquo;s economy is in a stable position to adopt the Euro without causing systemic risks to the Eurozone.

Romania’s EU Membership: A Historical Context

To provide further context, Romania’s path to EU membership was long and complex. The country joined the EU following a series of reforms and democratic changes that took place in the early 2000s. These changes were a result of the fall of communism in Romania and the subsequent efforts to align the countryrsquo;s legal and economic systems with EU standards.

Since 2007, Romania has been working continuously to strengthen its ties with the EU and to better align its policies and practices with those of its fellow members.

Challenges in the Schengen Zone

Another question often asked is why Romania hasn’t joined the Schengen zone, a part of the European Union’s borders-free travel area. The reasons for this are rooted in political and economic concerns. Romania and Bulgaria are not yet full members of the Schengen zone, and the most recent opportunity for them to join was in late 2022.

Many EU member states, including the Netherlands, Austria, and others, have been hesitant to allow Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen zone. The primary concerns stem from the potential risks associated with these countries’ border control and national security. Both Romania and Bulgaria have faced issues with smuggling, migration, and national debt, which have made some EU member states wary of allowing them into the Schengen area.

Specific Concerns for Romania and Bulgaria

Bulgaria, bordering Turkey and the Balkans, faces significant challenges related to migration and smuggling. Romania, on the other hand, shares borders with Moldova and Ukraine, countries that have experienced issues with smuggling and war. Austria and the Netherlands, concerned about the potential flood of migrants into their countries, have expressed fears that Romania and Bulgaria might become the ldquo;outer defense linerdquo; of the EU.

Only Croatia recently joined the Schengen zone, while Romania and Bulgaria are still awaiting approval. Croatia’s inclusion was smoother, partly due to its historical connections with Austria, which has been a strong advocate for Croatiarsquo;s entry into the EU and Schengen zone since 2013.

The EUrsquo;s decision-making process is complex, involving negotiations and compromises among member states. Romania and Bulgaria, while not yet fully benefiting from the Schengen agreement, are still working towards improving their security and economic conditions to meet the necessary criteria for Schengen membership.

Conclusion

Romania is indeed a member of the European Union, and its membership is a testament to the countryrsquo;s progress and commitment to European integration. The reasons why Romania isn’t part of the Schengen zone are multifaceted, involving political and economic considerations. As Romania continues to work towards meeting the necessary criteria, it will likely one day join the Schengen zone, further solidifying its position within the European Union.