The admission of the Balkan states to the Schengen will take place in two stages.
Bulgaria and Romania will become members of the Schengen area
According to Bulgarian sources, Brussels is preparing to include both states in the visa-free space this October , if they demonstrate their willingness to continue reforms.
Both states will be accepted into the Schengen area in two stages. In October 2023, border controls at airports will be lifted, and from January 2024, ground controls will be discontinued.
Bulgaria and Romania have been waiting for membership in the Schengen area for many years.
Last December European Union interior ministers backed Croatia's accession to the Schengen area, but Austria and the Netherlands voted against Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the visa-free area, citing problems of illegal migration.
In May this year, the European Commission called on the Council to allow both Balkan countries to become members of the Schengen area this year.