Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined the European Union’s Schengen Area, marking a significant milestone in their integration into the EU. The move, which took effect at midnight on January 1, 2025, eliminates land border checks for the two countries, enabling seamless travel for their citizens and goods across much of Europe. The event is the culmination of years of negotiations and efforts to meet Schengen’s stringent requirements.
Celebrations Mark the Historic Occasion
Fireworks lit the night sky at the Friendship Bridge over the Danube River, which connects Bulgaria’s Ruse and Romania’s Giurgiu, as Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically raised the border barrier. Similar ceremonies were held at key border points, including the Kulata crossing between Bulgaria and Greece.
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“This is a historic moment,” Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev declared, emphasizing that the integration stretches from Greece in the south to Finland in the north and Portugal in the west, creating a unified area of free movement. The expansion was celebrated not only by the countries themselves but also by EU institutions, with the European Parliament welcoming Bulgaria and Romania in a post on social media platform X.
End of a Long Journey
Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 but faced a 13-year wait to achieve full Schengen membership. While maritime and air border checks were removed in March 2024, land border checks persisted due to opposition, primarily from Austria, over concerns about irregular migration. Austria’s recent decision to drop its veto, citing confidence in enhanced border security measures, paved the way for this historic inclusion. The Schengen zone now comprises 25 of the 27 EU member states, excluding Ireland and Cyprus, along with non-EU countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Benefits for Citizens and Trade
The inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria adds 25 million citizens to the world’s largest free-travel zone, which encompasses over 450 million people. For Romanian and Bulgarian residents, the change eliminates long queues and identification checks at land borders, allowing them to travel freely across Europe without passports.
This integration also promises significant economic benefits. The Friendship Bridge, a critical transit point for international trade, will see reduced bottlenecks, expediting the movement of goods. Additionally, the enhanced connectivity is expected to boost tourism, with more Europeans likely to explore Romania and Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Challenges and Temporary Measures
Despite the benefits, challenges remain. Concerns about migration and security persist within the Schengen zone, prompting several member states, including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, to temporarily reinstate internal border checks in recent years.
To address these concerns, Bulgaria and Romania will implement random checks at borders, focusing on larger vehicles to deter smuggling and other illicit activities. This transitional measure will be in place for at least six months.
Strengthening EU Unity
The expansion is seen as a victory for European unity and an affirmation of the EU’s commitment to inclusivity. The European Commission has lauded the move, highlighting the Schengen Area as a cornerstone of European integration that strengthens the EU on the global stage.
Romania and Bulgaria’s full membership also holds symbolic significance for their citizens, who now feel like fully integrated members of the European project. The elimination of borders within the bloc highlights Schengen’s founding principle: fostering cohesion and cooperation among European nations.
The Path Ahead
While the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria is a triumph for the Schengen Area, it also highlights ongoing issues. The reinstatement of border checks by some member states points to underlying tensions over migration and security. EU leaders must navigate these challenges to ensure that Schengen continues to deliver on its promise of free movement.
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For Romania and Bulgaria, full Schengen membership represents a new chapter, offering both opportunities and responsibilities. As they embrace their role within the borderless zone, the two nations are poised to strengthen their ties with the rest of Europe and contribute to the success of the Schengen Area.