Austria reportedly ready to lift veto on Schengen expansion
<p>Austria is expected to lift its veto on Schengen expansion by spring 2025, <a href="https://kurier.at/politik/ausland/eu-bruessel-karner-rumaenien-bulgarien-schengen-erweiterung/402974301?mc_cid=3328351056" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kurier</a> confirmed after Romanian media indicated such an imminent step.</p>

<p>On November 22, Austrian interior minister Gerhard Karner will meet with his Romanian and Bulgarian counterparts in Budapest at an event organised by Hungary, which currently holds the EU Council presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the meeting, the ministers are expected to agree on a set of measures for Romania and Bulgaria to complete as a prerequisite for joining the Schengen Area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to officials, Romania and Bulgaria could achieve Schengen membership as early as spring 2025.</p>

<p>Romania's interior minister, Cătălin Predoiu, recently announced that a decision could be taken between November 21 and 22, 2024, in Budapest, where there will be a meeting between the ministers of internal affairs from Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, and Hungary.</p>

<p><em>iulian@romania-insider.com</em></p>

<p><em>(Photo source: Roberto Pangiarella/Dreamstime.com)</em></p>