Why was Bulgaria postponed for Schengen entry

In the beginning of March Sofia’s entry in the Schengen passport free zone was postponed. This provoked a lot of discussions, but also many questions that the politicians have to face and answer. The entry of Bulgaria was blocked by Germany, which was supported in its decision by Austria, Finland and The Netherlands. Most probably, the application of Bulgaria for an entry in the Schengen zone will be discussed again at the end of this year or most probably next year, after the new reports that will present the country’s progress were issued in December.

The main issues that the country should fight with included the corruption problems and the problems with the organized crime. According to the chief of the Customs Agency, Bulgaria being postponed to enter the Schengen zone might have its positive side. Mr. Vanyo Tanov stated that when the country enters the passport free travel zone, there will be a huge smuggling pressure on the country’s borders. Besides, when Bulgaria finally becomes part of the Schengen area, it will have to offer material ad human resource in order to cover its obligations as a member state. According to Tanov, the economic crises in Bulgaria and in the European Union in general, as well as the lack of understanding along the countries in the zone, explain the relief that the country should feel as not becoming a member state in that very moment.