Europe’s passport-free travel zone will be welcoming Croatia but Romania and Bulgaria have been left outside.
EU countries today voted on whether or not to admit the three nations into the so-called Schengen zone – a pact between countries to abolish border checks for those travelling between their territories.
Croatia received unanimous support from the 26 Schengen member states.
However, Austria blocked Romania and Bulgaria, citing a lack of preparedness. The Netherlands supported Romania’s bid but opposed Bulgaria’s.
“We need more time,” Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said earlier this week.
“At the moment, we have 75,000 unregistered illegal migrants in Austria – meaning they have crossed an external EU border and made it to Austria.
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