The EU has announced that it will be extending the deadline for the Schengen visa-free regime for the Balkan countries, as well as Romania and Bulgaria, until March 2024. This extension applies only to air and sea transport. The decision is significant because it marks the first time in the EU’s history that the Schengen area will be expanded beyond its current limits.

According to the President of Spain, which currently holds the EU presidency, the Schengen Zone will now cover the Black Sea region, including Bulgaria and Romania. The lifting of maritime and air transport boundaries is scheduled for March 2024, while a decision on lifting land transport boundaries will be made at a later date.

One question that remains is whether Romania and Bulgaria will be able to provide visas to foreigners. It is also unclear whether any European structures will be authorized to issue visas on behalf of these countries.

In other news, Armenia has reported…