European Union countires are carefully considering if Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia can fully open their borders and take part in Europe’s I.D.-check-free travel zone.

However, worries about migration seem certain to dash Bulgaria and Romania’s ambitions.

A green light on Thursday would be extremely beneficial for their economies.

26 nations, 22 E.U. member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, make up the so-called Schengen region.

Nearly 1.7 million people work and reside in different Schengen nations.

But the remaining E.U. members must all agree for the three newest members to gain full membership.

At a meeting in Brussels, E.U. interior ministers are contemplating their future.

Hungary, the Netherlands, and Austria are all on the fence.