Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen Area in January 2025 after a long wait, but many feel this is overdue. Romania's recent parliamentary elections showed a rise in far-right support, reflecting public sentiment about EU membership and the Schengen delay. Despite EU membership being popular, many Romanians feel like second-class citizens and believe the EU imposes decisions without local influence. Upcoming political negotiations in Romania are critical, with a presidential run-off between pro-Russian and pro-European candidates. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)