Federal Council gives green light to lifting air border controls with Bulgaria and Romania
Bern, 24.01.2024 - On 30 December 2023, the Council of the European Union (EU) decided to lift internal border controls at the air and maritime borders with Bulgaria and Romania. At its meeting on 24 January, the Federal Council approved the exchange of notes on the adoption of this decision. Specifically, checks at airports for people traveling to and from Bulgaria and Romania will be abolished.
On 30 December 2023, the Council of the EU unanimously decided to lift checks on persons at the internal air and maritime borders with Bulgaria and Romania as of 31 March. Both countries meet the formal requirements. This was last confirmed by three fact-finding missions in 2022 and 2023. Land border controls will remain in place for the time being. However, the Council is examining the possibility of lifting border controls too.
Switzerland was informed of the Council Decision, which constitutes a development of the Schengen acquis, on 9 January. At its meeting on 24 January, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's response. For Switzerland, the adoption means in particular that from 31 March there will be no more checks at airports for people travelling to and from Bulgaria and Romania. In addition, Bulgaria and Romania will be able to issue their own Schengen visas. Erfahrungen mit dem Beitritt Kroatiens zum Schengenraum am 1. Januar 2023 zeigen, dass aufgrund des Beschlusses nicht mit einem deutlichen Anstieg der Migration gerechnet werden muss. Existing instruments and preventive measures will be used to combat illegal migration and crime.
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