On December 8, 2022, a Croatian border police officer crosses the road at the border between Croatia and Slovenia. PHOTO AP BRUSSELS - Croatia will become the 27th member state in the EU's visa-free Schengen Area from Jan 1, 2023, European Union officials said on Thursday.
Romania and Bulgaria were not admitted.
Vit Rakusan, the Czech Republic's Interior Minister, said he was very pleased that Croatia was able to take two important steps in its European integration by joining the euro and the Schengen areas during the Czech Presidency.
The Czech Republic currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, which rotates every six months.
Today is a good day for the citizens of Croatia. "Welcome to Schengen," said Ylva Johannson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs.
From Jan 1, 2023 checks on persons at internal land and sea borders between Croatia and the other countries in the Schengen area will be lifted because of the inclusion of Croatia in the free movement area. Checks at internal air borders will be lifted on March 26, 2023.
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The two countries were not admitted despite widespread support for Romania and Bulgaria's accession to Schengen.
The Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said he had opposed their membership due to security concerns. The city of Vienna has recorded 100,000 illegal border crossings this year. The Netherlands opposed granting access to Bulgaria, citing concerns over corruption and migration.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson speaks to reporters as she arrives for a justice and home affairs meeting on the enlargement of the Schengen area and Western Balkan migration route at the EU headquarters in Brussel on December 8, 2022. KENZO TRIBOUILLARD AFP But Rakusan said that Bulgaria and Romania were ready to be Schengen members. He said that their time will come soon.
The Schengen area was created in 1985 to allow free movement between five European countries. The area has expanded to include 22 of the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The area has a coordinated approach to immigration at its common border. According to French Minister of Home Affairs Gerald Darmanin, the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria could help Europe manage its borders.
READ MORE: EU unveils plan to improve travel flow in Schengen area.
Johannson has promised to support the two countries for the next steps, while Rakusan said he would make sure Sweden, the next country to take over the presidency of the European Council, keeps the accession of Romania and Bulgaria at the top of its agenda.