One week ago, Austria blocked Romania and Bulgaria, pair states in this endeavor, from joining the free circulation Schengen area within the EU. Only a few days before, the authorities in Bucharest breathed a sigh of relief, having obtained approval from The Netherlands after years of opposition. This having happened, Austria s turning of the tables at the last moment was surprising to say the least. Vienna was unyielding to the end, under the claim that it faces too high a number of immigrants. Its decision, claimed to be unjustified and unjust, brought about a wave of reactions from Bucharest and Sofia, as well as Brussels. Officials from the EP and EC expressed their disappointment, and sent messages in support of Romania and Bulgaria. Even the president of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, stood apart from the decision of the government led by Karl Nehammer. I profoundly regret the decision to block Romania and Bulgaria in joining Schengen , said the Austrian president, who admit