In News:

Recently, the European Union (EU) cleared Bulgaria and Romania for full membership in the Schengen Zone, effective January 1, 2025. This marks the end of a 13-year wait for these Eastern European nations, which joined the EU in 2007.

Key Highlights:

• Schengen Integration: Until now, Bulgaria and Romania were partially integrated into the Schengen Zone, with air and sea travel without border checks since March 2024. However, land border controls were still in place due to Austria's objections, mainly due to concerns over migration and border security.
• Austria's Shift: Austria had blocked full entry for years but finally lifted its veto on December 9, 2024, after a border protection package was agreed upon. This package includes joint border guard deployment at the Bulgarian-Turkish border and temporary land border controls for six months.

Schengen Zone Details:

• What is the Schengen Zone?
  • Created by the Schengen Agreement (1985) and the Schengen Convention (1990), it is the world’s largest area without internal border controls, allowing free movement across most EU countries and some non-EU countries. It currently includes 29 countries (25 EU states and 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
• Key Features:
  • Free Movement: Over 425 million people can travel freely within the zone without border checks.
  • Uniform Visa Policy: Short-term stays of up to 90 days are allowed for tourists and business travelers from outside the Schengen Area.
  • Cross-Border Cooperation: The Schengen Information System (SIS) facilitates security and border management by sharing critical data between countries.
  • Temporary Border Controls: Countries can temporarily reintroduce border controls for security reasons, after notifying other member states and the European Commission.

Bulgaria and Romania

• Bulgaria:
  • Capital: Sofia
  • Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by the Black Sea, Romania, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
  • Political System: Parliamentary Republic
• Romania:
  • Capital: Bucharest
  • Location: Bounded by Ukraine, Moldova, Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary.
  • Political System: Semi-Presidential Republic

Implications of Full Schengen Membership:

• Security and Unity: Romania and Bulgaria's full integration into the Schengen Zone is seen as a boost to both EU security and unity. It solidifies the EU's commitment to free movement while enhancing border security across Europe.
• Impact on Migration: With Bulgaria and Romania’s full membership, the EU’s border management system will be more integrated, helping to address ongoing migration challenges.

In News:

India, France and UAE recently kicked off a major air combat exercise called “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea, strengthening trilateral defence cooperation and enhancing military interoperability amid the ongoing geopolitical churn.

Key Highlights:

• What It Is: A trilateral air combat exercise aimed at improving military interoperability and enhancing combat readiness among the participating nations.
• Nations Involved: India, France, and the UAE.
• Location: Conducted over the Arabian Sea, approximately 350-400 km southwest of Karachi.
• Aim of the Exercise:
  • To strengthen trilateral defence cooperation among the three nations.
  • To enhance combat skills and military interoperability of the air forces involved.
• Details of the Exercise:
  • Duration: The exercise lasts for three days.
  • The exercise involves large force engagement and intensive combat maneuvers in a realistic operational environment.
• Aircraft Involved:
  • India: Deployed Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, IL-78 mid-air refuellers, and AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft from bases like Jamnagar.
  • France: Deployed Rafale jets and other aircraft from Al Dhafra airbase.
  • UAE: Deployed F-16 jets and other aircraft from Al Dhafra airbase.

Strategic Significance:

• The exercise is part of India’s efforts to build military interoperability with nations in the Persian Gulf region and strengthen defence ties with France and the UAE.
• Enhances combat readiness and strengthens cooperation against both traditional and non-traditional threats.
• Reflects the geopolitical shift and growing military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the context of China’s expansionist activities.
• Trilateral Framework: India, France, and the UAE launched a trilateral framework in 2022, focusing on areas like defence, technology, energy, and environment.
• Previous Exercises: In addition to Desert Knight, the countries also conducted their first trilateral maritime exercise in June 2023 to enhance cooperation in maritime security.

Broader Defence Relations:

• India-France: Long-standing strategic partnership with regular joint exercises like Shakti (army), Varuna (navy), and Garuda (air force).
• India-UAE: The defence relationship has grown significantly in recent years, with regular professional exchanges, combat exercises, and staff talks. India participates in the Desert Flag exercise at Al Dhafra airbase annually.