Romania and Bulgaria fully join borderless Schengen Zone after 13-year wait

Romania and Bulgaria fully join borderless Schengen Zone after 13-year wait

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Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area, marking the end of a 13-year wait for the two Eastern European nations.

Now encompassing 29 countries, the borderless travel zone witnessed its most recent expansion at midnight on January 1, 2025, as land border checks between Bulgaria, Romania, and their neighboring EU member states were opened.

This significant step was made possible after Austria and other previously dissenting members of the Schengen Area dropped their objections. The milestone was celebrated with ceremonies at various border posts, including the Ruse-Giurgiu border crossing between Bulgaria and Romania, and a crossing between Hungary and Romania.

Romania’s Interior Minister, Lucian Bode, and his Bulgarian counterpart, Kalin Stoyanov, marked the occasion with a joint appearance at the Ruse-Giurgiu crossing.

“It is a dream come true for Romanians, Bulgarians, and all Europeans who believe in a borderless and united Europe,” said Bode.

The removal of land border checks follows the partial Schengen membership granted to Romania and Bulgaria in March 2024. This membership allowed free travel by air and sea but left land borders under control due to security concerns. Later in December 2024, EU member states decided to remove checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania from 1 January 2025.


13-years wait

Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, but their Schengen accession faced prolonged delays, primarily due to objections from Austria. Critics cited insufficient measures by the two countries to control unauthorized migration.

Austria’s reservations were lifted after concerted efforts from the Hungarian government during its six-month EU presidency. Hungary, which shares historical and cultural ties with Romania through the ethnic Hungarian community in Transylvania, played a pivotal role in advocating for the Schengen integration of the two nations.


“It is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania as full Schengen members. Lifting checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between those member states has been a top priority for the Hungarian presidency, and today we have made it a reality. This step will benefit not only Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, but also the EU as a whole,” Sandor Pinter, Hungarian Minister for Home Affairs, said in a statement.


Historical and cultural context

The Schengen Area, one of Europe’s hallmark achievements, was first established in 1985 by five founding members: France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Over the years, it has expanded into the largest border-free zone globally, facilitating the daily movement of millions across internal borders.

The inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria represents the zone’s first major expansion since Croatia’s admission in 2023. The Schengen Area now includes 23 EU member countries along with non-EU states Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Incorporating the two Balkan nations into Schengen also strengthens connections between Hungary and Romania. The approximately one million ethnic Hungarians living in Transylvania, a legacy of Hungary’s territorial losses after World War I, stand to benefit significantly from eased cross-border travel.


Challenges for Schengen Area

Despite its achievements, the Schengen Area has faced criticism and challenges in recent years. Several member states, including Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands, reinstated temporary border checks in response to migration concerns and security threats. Such measures raised fears among EU officials about the potential erosion of Schengen’s foundational principles.

Bulgarian and Romanian border police
Bulgarian and Romanian border police are pictured at the Romanian-Bulgarian customs point in Giurgiu, as Romania and Bulgaria both join the Schengen bloc, Romania, December 31, 2024. (Image Credit: Inquam Photos/George Calin/via Reuters)

The integration of Romania and Bulgaria into Schengen is viewed as a reaffirmation of the bloc’s commitment to unity and free movement, even as internal pressures test its resilience.

The accession of Bulgaria and Romania is expected to yield substantial economic and social benefits for the region. Businesses, tourists, and residents will now enjoy uninterrupted movement, fostering greater trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Over 420 million people currently reside within the Schengen Area, with about 3.5 million crossing internal borders daily. The seamless integration of Romania and Bulgaria will further enhance this dynamic, reinforcing the Schengen Area’s status as a cornerstone of European integration.

While challenges to the Schengen Area’s cohesion persist, the accession of Romania and Bulgaria underscores the enduring appeal of a borderless Europe and the shared commitment of its members to overcome obstacles in pursuit of unity and progress.

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