In a live broadcast from Strasbourg for RTSH, journalist Monada Memetaj shared insights on the European Commission’s decisions regarding Schengen Area free movement policies and migration strategies.

She highlighted that the Western Balkans route has seen a significant 40% drop in irregular migrant crossings into the European Union, compared to the same period last year.

Memetaj explained that, through the Frontex project, the Western Balkans will be a key focus for the EU in strengthening Europe’s external borders.

Commenting on the recent developments from the European Commission, Memetaj confirmed the final decision to open the Schengen area between Romania and Bulgaria. This agreement, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, will allow citizens of both countries to move freely across Europe’s land, air, and sea borders.

“This decision was made under Hungary’s upcoming presidency, which has been granted the responsibility to finalize this agreement. As a result, hundreds of trucks and travelers, who previously faced long waits at the border, will now be able to move freely. From January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will officially become full members of the Schengen Area, allowing free movement for 450 million citizens. Both countries have been EU members since 2007, but as they were not part of the border-free zone, travelers had to present passports. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently declared that he will meet Romania’s president on January 1 without being stopped at the border.”

Memetaj also pointed out that Romania and Bulgaria are expected to reinforce their eastern borders to prevent illegal migration into the EU. The key challenge in securing this Schengen agreement has been border security, as countries like France, the Netherlands, and Austria had pressed for the postponement of full Schengen rights for these two nations.

Regarding migration policy, she noted ongoing discussions due to the Western Balkans’ role as a major route for irregular migrants.

“Balkan countries have served as transit points to other European nations. For instance, recent data reveals that 96.4% of migrants entering Croatia did not stay there but continued deeper into Europe seeking asylum. Meanwhile, Greece has suspended asylum applications for Syrian migrants. Serbia has also received a €14 million EU fund to combat illegal migration through FRONTEX, which will operate along its border and collaborate with other Balkan countries facing similar challenges. Overall, irregular migration has decreased by 40% compared to last year, partly due to Italy’s agreements with Tunisia and the efforts at the Gjadri and Shëngjin migration centers.”

Memetaj further added that the EU is discussing measures to strengthen its external borders.

“In recent days, a new policy has been introduced to reinforce EU borders, despite Denmark’s controversial new law, which conflicts with human rights standards. The law mandates the deportation of those who entered Denmark illegally and are serving sentences for border violations. Spain, however, remains the only country that has opened its doors to migrants and has pledged to offer citizenship.”

Regarding the Schengen Area, Memetaj concluded that while border control at 10 entry points remains strict due to varying regional conditions, there are expectations for these measures to be relaxed in the future.

“Based on recent data, irregular migration has decreased by 60% in the last six months,” she concluded.

/k.s/