Bulgaria and Romania Join the Schengen Zone

The European Council has made a historic decision: starting January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania will become full members of the Schengen Zone. This means border controls at their internal land borders, including those between the two countries, will be abolished. It’s a landmark step in European integration, bringing numerous benefits to citizens of the region and the entire European Union.

Fulfilling the Dreams of Integration

"This is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania as full members of the Schengen area. The abolition of checks on persons at the internal land borders with these Member States and between them has been a top priority of the Hungarian presidency, and today we have made it a reality," highlighted Sándor Pintér, Hungary's Minister of the Interior. He also expressed confidence that this move will bring tangible benefits not only to the citizens of Bulgaria and Romania but to all EU residents.

Although both countries joined the European Union in 2007, they remained outside full Schengen membership for many years. However, they have already applied some aspects of the Schengen legal framework, including external border controls and police cooperation.

Changes Taking Effect in 2024

The process of integrating Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Zone began earlier. On March 31, 2024, controls at their air and sea borders were removed, allowing for seamless travel by those means. With the lifting of land border controls, citizens and businesses will gain even greater convenience, enabling easier travel and trade.

The Importance of Schengen for Europe

The Schengen Zone, established in 1985, is the largest free-travel area in the world. Originally comprising a few Western European countries — France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg — it now includes 29 nations. This includes 25 EU Member States and non-EU countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Schengen has removed borders in practical terms for its 420 million residents, facilitating travel, trade, and cultural exchange.

Opportunities for Bulgaria and Romania

The removal of border controls is not just a win for the citizens of Bulgaria and Romania, who will now enjoy unrestricted movement without delays and queues. It is also a significant boost for their economies and attractiveness to investors. Freight transport and tourism between these countries and the rest of the Schengen Zone are expected to grow substantially, benefiting the entire region.