Hungary Keeps Promise to Romania: Successful Negotiations in Budapest for Schengen Admission

Hungary has successfully upheld its commitment to facilitating Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This development follows a series of positive diplomatic engagements between the two nations, particularly during a recent meeting in Budapest, where significant agreements were reached.

Austria was the last country to deny Romania’s entry into the Schengen area, despite Romania fulfilling all the criteria for joining the free economic space.

Hungary’s Commitment to Romania’s Schengen Accession

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government have consistently supported Romania’s full integration into the Schengen Area. Throughout 2024, Hungarian officials, including Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, emphasized that Romania’s accession is in Hungary’s national interest.

They highlighted that eliminating land border checks would reduce long wait times for travellers and enhance economic ties between the two countries, which are significant trade partners.

During informal discussions on November 22, 2024, the interior ministers of Romania, Bulgaria, and Austria signed a declaration confirming that all barriers to Romania’s Schengen membership had been removed. Orbán reiterated Hungary’s commitment to ensuring Romania and Bulgaria could join the Schengen Area by early 2025, marking a historic milestone in their European integration efforts.

In Contrast, Cold Diplomatic Reception from Romania’s President

In contrast to Hungary’s warm support, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis exhibited a notably cold demeanour towards Orbán during their recent interactions. A striking incident occurred at an informal European Council meeting on November 7, where Iohannis was seen turning his back on Orbán before eventually acknowledging him with a brief handshake.

This moment was widely reported and interpreted as a sign of the strained relationship between the two leaders. Iohannis has previously criticized Orbán’s nationalistic rhetoric and policies, particularly concerning ethnic Hungarians in Romania. While he has occasionally sought cooperation with Hungary for strategic purposes, his recent behaviour suggests a reluctance to embrace Orbán amid ongoing tensions fully. This coldness starkly contrasts the collaborative spirit that Hungary has demonstrated throughout the Schengen accession process.

As Hungary fulfils its promise to support Romania’s entry into the Schengen Area, the contrasting diplomatic approaches highlight the complexities of their bilateral relationship. Hungary’s proactive stance has paved the way for significant progress, while Romania’s leadership exhibits caution in its engagement with Orbán. This dynamic will be crucial as both nations move forward into a new chapter of European integration.