Study Finds Bulgarians Support Partial Schengen Entry but Seek Clarity on Migration

Bulgarians are expressing excitement over their country’s anticipated accession to the Schengen Zone and are hopeful that the government will effectively address migration concerns. A recent study conducted by Gallup International Balkan revealed that the majority of participants are optimistic about the benefits that Schengen membership will bring.

According to the study, 30.3% of respondents believe that Bulgaria’s membership in the Schengen Zone, set to take effect from March 2024 for air and sea travel, will bring real benefits. On the other hand, 38.7% think that it will neither bring additional benefits nor harm the country. However, 14.5% of respondents are concerned about the potential harmful effects of Bulgaria’s partial accession to the Schengen area.

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The study also found that a significant percentage of participants (50.6%) expect real benefits from Bulgaria’s full Schengen entry, while 13.7% fear potential harm to the country. There is also a divide on the issue of accepting a larger number of refugees for full Schengen entry, with 24.6% considering it more important for Sofia to become part of Schengen, even if it means accepting more refugees, while 56.3% prioritize avoiding increased refugee acceptance.

In addition to the attitudes toward Schengen accession, the study also revealed polarized views on the dismantling of the Soviet Army Monument in Sofia, with 35.7% in favor and 40.3% disagreeing. The study indicates that while attitudes toward partial acceptance are mainly positive, the entire Schengen accession would be considered a significant achievement for Bulgaria.

The study also discussed the recent proposal of Austria, called “Air Schengen,” through which Bulgaria and Romania will become part of the Schengen Area from March this year for air and sea travel. However, Austria continues to maintain its veto when it comes to land border accession due to concerns over irregular migration.

Austria’s Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, emphasized the migration situation as a crucial factor in their decision to maintain the veto, indicating that the matter goes beyond these two countries. Despite the hurdles, Bulgarians remain optimistic about the benefits of joining the Schengen Zone and look forward to the potential growth and opportunities that come with it.