Understanding Romania's EU Membership: Why Romania Is a Member But Bulgaria Is Not?

It is often assumed that Bulgaria's membership in the European Union (EU) might have been a reason for Romania's delayed entry. However, Romania and Bulgaria actually became EU members on the same date in 2007. The focus of this article is to explain why Romania is a member of the EU while Bulgaria continues to face challenges in fully integrating into the Schengen Area.

EU Membership

Both Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU together on January 1, 2007. This was part of a significant expansion that brought the EU to include countries from Eastern Europe. The choice to admit both countries simultaneously was aimed at fostering collective progress and stability in the region.

Schengen Area Integration

One of the key differences between the two countries is their integration into the Schengen Area. While Bulgaria has made progress towards Schengen membership, Romania has not yet been admitted. This delay is due to various factors, including concerns over border security, corruption, and the rule of law. These issues have been cited as reasons why some existing member states have opposed Romania's Schengen accession.

Reform and Compliance

To join the EU, Candidate countries like Romania and Bulgaria were required to implement various reforms to meet EU standards. These reforms covered a wide range of policies, including economic, social, and political aspects. However, challenges such as corruption and judicial independence have delayed the Schengen accession process for both countries.

Political Dynamics within the EU

Political dynamics play a crucial role in the EU accession process. Member states may have differing views on the readiness and compliance of candidate countries. This can influence the decision-making process, leading to delays and opposition even when countries like Romania and Bulgaria meet the required criteria.

The Role of Discrimination and Prejudice

Discrimination and prejudice have played significant roles in Romania's integration into the EU. Following their membership in 2007, Romanians and Bulgarians faced discriminatory treatment, including the lack of automatic work rights in other EU countries until 2014. This discrimination continues regarding Schengen, leading many of these citizens to feel like “third-class citizens” within the EU.

Geopolitical Influence

Geopolitical factors, such as historical prejudices, have also influenced Romania and Bulgaria's EU accession. For example, there have been perceptions of these countries as “Greek Orthodox” and the influence of works like Samuel P. Huntington's “The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order.” These prejudices continue to affect the EU's policies and can impact the integration of countries like Romania and Bulgaria.

Specific Examples: Croatia's Accession

It is worth noting that Croatia, a Catholic country, was not subjected to the same level of scrutiny as Romania and Bulgaria. While the accession of Croatia was opposed by some member states, it was eventually accepted. This contrast highlights how religious and cultural factors can influence the EU's decision-making process.

Conclusion

While Romania is an EU member, both Romania and Bulgaria face challenges regarding their integration into the Schengen Area. These challenges are primarily due to concerns over border security, corruption, judicial independence, and historical prejudices. Understanding these factors is essential for comprehending the complex dynamics of EU membership and accession.