"The first step with the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen, the strengthening of the European border service Frontex are important progress."
This is what EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ilva Johansson said at the presentation of the Schengen State of the Union report.
"Schengen has become the largest free travel area in the world. The Schengen area is essential for the competitiveness of the European Union, as it guarantees seamless and secure travel for a population of almost 450 million people. In 2023, the Schengen area remains stable and remains the most visited destination in the world. More than 10 million Schengen visas were issued, and more than half a billion travelers visited Schengen, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This has contributed significantly to the EU economy, as tourism contributes to nearly 10% of EU GDP and provides jobs to around 22.6 million people," says the report published on the EC website.
The document highlights "the historic step of completing the Schengen area with Bulgaria and Romania, starting with the abolition of air and sea border controls by 31 March 2024."
The Schengen Council on 13-14 June is due to discuss the 2024 report and adopt the Commission's proposal for a Council recommendation. / BGNES
