From 1 January 2025 Bulgaria and Romania became full members of the Schengen area, meaning the abolition of border controls at land borders with another European Union countries. This historical step, preceded by years of negotiation and preparation, opens a fresh chapter in the past of free travel in Europe.
Long way to membership
The process of accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area has lasted 13 years since applications were submitted in 2011. Despite the confirmation of the readiness of both countries by the European Commission in the same year, Austria and the Netherlands have repeatedly blocked the affirmative decision.
In the end, these difficulties were overcome through intensive negotiations and a series of initiatives, specified as 3 inspection missions at the external borders of Bulgaria and Romania from 2022 to 2023. Pilot projects launched in March 2024 to improve external border management and strengthen regional cooperation were besides an crucial element.
Abolishing border controls
As early as March 2024, border controls on air flights and maritime transport between Bulgaria and Romania were abolished, which was the first step towards full integration into the Schengen area. Since January 2025, citizens of both countries can cross land borders with EU countries without having to undergo border controls.
The European Parliament's Facebook message expressed its enthusiasm for this event: "Welcome to Schengen, Bulgaria and Romania. present we welcome full members of the world's largest free travel zone."
Benefits for citizens and economies
The abolition of interior borders is simply a major facilitation for Bulgarian and Romanian residents who can now travel freely, work and trade in another Schengen countries. This is besides a immense boost for local economies, especially the tourism and transport sectors.
As of 1 April 2024, both countries began issuing kind C Schengen visas allowing third-country nationals to stay in the region for up to 90 days in 180 days for tourism, business or household purposes.
The future of the Schengen area
The enlargement of the Schengen area to Bulgaria and Romania is an crucial step towards further European integration. As the European Commission noted, both countries have shown crucial advancement in managing external borders, working with neighbours and speeding up asylum procedures.
The example of Bulgaria and Romania can become a model for another countries aspiring to Schengen membership, specified as Croatia, which joined in 2023, and Serbia and Montenegro.
Summary
The accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area is simply a milestone for European integration and freedom of travel on the continent. This decision not only benefits the citizens of both countries, but besides strengthens the interior unity of the European Union. With this change, Schengen becomes an even larger and more integrated area of freedom and cooperation.
Read more:
Bulgaria and Romania have joined the Schengen area
