Along the Bulgarian coast
Europe’s Schengen Zone is about to grow again, with the addition of Bulgaria and Romania to the 27-nation agreement that allows for free passage with few if any border controls among its members.
Starting March 31, land and sea border crossings between the two and the rest of the area will begin, with talks continuing for later coverage of air travel as well. The two countries applied years ago, but had been placed on hold by concerns, especially from Austria, that a flood of migrants might take advantage.
The zone grew out of a 1996 10-nation agreement, signed in the Belgian town of Schengen, and has since grown to include nearly all members of the EU, and several non-member countries, including Switzerland.
With the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, the only EU nations not part of Schengen are Ireland and Cyprus.
