In January 2025, Romania is set to join the Schengen Area after a protracted 13-year wait, a development welcomed by pro-European parties that recently triumphed in the country’s parliamentary elections. Despite this electoral success, far-right groups made significant gains, capturing nearly 30% of the vote, largely driven by public discontent over the prolonged delay in EU accession. The integration into the Schengen Area is viewed as a pivotal aspect of the electoral campaign, especially given the implications it holds for free movement and enhanced cooperation within the European Union (EU). The confluence of these political dynamics underscores both a desire for integration and cankerous undercurrents of nationalism and discontent that are increasingly shaping Romanian political discourse.
Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU back in 2007, with efforts to become part of the Schengen zone commencing just four years later. While the European Commission had approved their entry, objections from the Netherlands and Austria resulted in a stagnant process, leading to frustrations among Romanian citizens. As Kamil Calus from the Centre for Eastern Studies noted, the prevailing sentiment among Romanians isn’t elation over finally gaining membership but rather an exasperated “it was about time.” This mood is compounded by the realization that their accession coincides with a turbulent period for the Schengen zone, characterized by countries reintroducing border controls in response to security concerns.
The resurgence of temporary border controls across several EU nations since the migration crisis of 2015 has further complicated the narrative surrounding Schengen membership. Notably, major players like Germany and France have recently suspended free movement in the Schengen Area, raising uncertainty about the long-term sustainability of open borders. To add to the mix, commentators have observed that the issues surrounding membership have been co-opted by far-right and sovereigntist factions, who argue that Brussels does not treat Romania as an equal partner. Such sentiments exacerbate native skepticism toward the EU and reflect broader European trends of rising nationalism and disillusionment with supranational governance.
Compounding frustrations surrounding EU membership is the perception of growing inequality within Romania. Despite a reported majority of 83% of Romanians supporting EU membership, a considerable portion—over 70%—feels that the EU imposes decisions without sufficient room for local government influence. This highlights a significant disconnect between public sentiment and the operational dynamics of EU governance, where many citizens view themselves as “second-class citizens” within the European framework, further exacerbating the narrative leveraged by anti-establishment and far-right parties. Calus and researcher Suzana Dragomir suggest that economic growth has not been equitably distributed, fueling a broader sense of disenchantment with both European institutions and local governance.
Looking ahead, the immediate political landscape in Romania is poised for transformation as the newly elected government embarks on negotiations to define its structure and priorities. Concurrently, the second round of the presidential elections is approaching, set to feature pro-Russian and far-right candidate Colin Georgescu against pro-European challenger Elena Lasconi. As Romania navigates the complexities of forming its next government, the electoral outcome reflects a broader struggle between integrationist and nationalist impulses, precipitated by both domestic and external challenges.
In conclusion, Romania’s forthcoming accession to the Schengen Area embodies a culmination of hope intertwined with disappointment. While it signifies an important milestone in the nation’s European journey, prevalent anti-establishment sentiments illuminate deep-rooted anxieties about national identity, equitable EU membership, and the efficacy of European governance. As Romania rallies to embrace its future in the Schengen framework, the political climate will likely remain fraught with tension as competing visions for the country’s trajectory clash, reflecting both aspiration for collective belonging and a search for national affirmation in a rapidly changing Europe.
