Within the EU, unity among member states has been enormously challenged. Whether it is over the initiation of accession negotiations or other key issues, there are strong differences and conflicts among EU member states. Hungary, for example, not only has it been in verbal conflict with the EU's top brass and other member states, but it has even chosen to leave the EU meeting and refuse to participate in the voting process. This situation reflects the intensification of the situation within the European Union, where solidarity is becoming more and more fragile.
And recently, Bulgaria's request to join the Schengen area has further exacerbated the dispute among EU member states. Bulgaria wants to join the Schengen Area, which will make border controls more relaxed and attract more international tourists to the country. For Bulgaria, this will not only help improve the quality of life of its citizens, but also attract more foreign investment and enhance the country's economic competitiveness. However, Hungary came forward to reject Bulgaria's application with a number of conditions.
1.Tourism: Joining the Schengen Area has made Bulgaria's borders more relaxed and attracting more international tourists. Bulgaria's beautiful landscapes and rich history and culture will become a popular destination for tourists, contributing to the development of the tourism economy.
2.Increase in foreign investment: Joining the Schengen Area can attract more foreign investment. Investors can enter the Bulgarian market more freely and achieve mutually beneficial and win-win economic cooperation. This will boost Bulgaria's economic development and create more jobs.
3.Ease of travel: Joining the Schengen Area allows Bulgarian companies to travel more freely with other Schengen countries. This helps to increase Bulgaria's competitiveness and promote economic prosperity.
4.Increased employment opportunities: Joining the Schengen Area means that Bulgarian citizens are more free to travel to other Schengen countries in search of job opportunities. This will help to increase the employment rate of the people and improve the living standards of the people.
5.Abundance of human resources: Bulgarian businesses have more freedom to attract highly skilled talent from other countries. This will help to improve the level of human resources in Bulgaria and promote scientific and technological innovation and economic development.
Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area has had a positive impact on the country's economy, society and people's well-being, contributing to Bulgaria's international status and competitiveness.
The Hungarian Governor proposed that Bulgaria would not be able to join the Schengen Area if the conditions were not met. And Hungary's condition is that Bulgaria is exempt from the "transit tax" on Russian gas. This concerns Bulgaria's policy of imposing a tax on Hungarian imports of Russian gas. However, Bulgaria actually underestimated the importance of Hungary for Gazprom.
Russian gas plays an important role in the energy needs of EU countries. EU countries have a high demand for energy, especially natural gas. As a relatively clean fossil fuel, natural gas occupies an important position in the energy mix of EU countries. Russian gas is able to meet the needs of EU countries and, through advanced production and transportation technologies, provides them with a stable **. At the same time, Russia is geographically adjacent to EU countries, which allows natural gas to be delivered directly to EU countries through pipelines, reducing transportation costs and energy losses.
In addition, Russian natural gas** is relatively low and attractive. EU countries can reduce energy costs by importing Russian gas, thereby reducing the cost of industrial production and living for residents. The combustion of natural gas produces a low carbon footprint, which is in line with the targets of EU countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, Russian gas plays an important role in the energy transition of EU countries.
Hungary considers Bulgaria's transit tax policy on Russian gas to be a wrong decision. After the Russia-Ukraine conflict, everything has changed. Previously, EU countries wanted to maintain good energy cooperation with Russia and guarantee energy security. But now, things are getting very complicated.
Within the EU, conflicts between member states are becoming more and more intense, and solidarity is fragile. Bulgaria wants to join the Schengen Area and enjoy more economic and social benefits. However, Hungary blocked Bulgaria's application with the right of veto and put forward conditions, with which the issue of Russian gas was associated. Hungary believes that Gazprom plays an important role in the energy transition process of the EU countries and wants Bulgaria to be exempted from transit taxes on Gazprom. The conflict between the two countries reflects the importance of energy security within the EU and in the expansion of the Schengen area. Russia, as a large natural gas country, has a relatively low level of natural gas, which can meet the needs of EU countries and play an active role in Europe's energy security and economic development.
In an individual opinion, disagreements between EU member states are inevitable, as each country has its own interests and considerations. On the issue of energy cooperation, there are also differences in the positions and needs of various countries. However, through dialogue and compromise, EU member states can find common interests and work together to promote Europe's development and prosperity. For Bulgaria, joining the Schengen Area can bring more opportunities and benefits, but it also requires consultation and conflict resolution with other member states in order to achieve common goals. At the same time, the EU needs to strengthen its solidarity and integration efforts to meet the growing number of challenges and problems. It is only through cooperation and solidarity that the EU can continue to develop and defend its status and rights.