Why is Romania not in the Schengen Area?

Romania has been seeking to join the Schengen Area since it became a member of the European Union in 2007. However, its accession has been delayed due to concerns about corruption, rule of law issues, and border security. Some EU member states have expressed reservations about Romania's readiness to join the Schengen Area, citing concerns about the country's ability to effectively manage its borders and combat organized crime.

Additionally, Romania's progress towards meeting the necessary criteria for Schengen accession has been hindered by political instability and ongoing disputes within the country's government. As a result, Romania's accession to the Schengen Area has been repeatedly postponed, and it remains one of the few EU member states that is not yet a part of the border-free zone.

Romania is not in the Schengen Area because it has not yet met all the technical, legal, and operational requirements for membership. These requirements include:

- Effectively managing external borders
- Having a reliable and efficient visa system
- Establishing a strong law enforcement cooperation network
- Implementing the Schengen Information System (SIS)
- Ensuring that the national police and border guard forces are adequately trained and equipped

Romania has made significant progress in meeting these requirements, but it still needs to address some areas, such as improving border surveillance and combating corruption. The country is expected to join the Schengen Area once it has fully met all the necessary criteria.