Romania and Bulgaria to Join the Schengen Area in 2025
Brussels, BELGIUM – In a historic move, Romania and Bulgaria are set to become full members of the Schengen Area starting January 1, 2025. This decision, announced by the European Council, marks the culmination of a long journey that began in 2011 when both countries were first deemed ready to join.
The Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel across 29 European countries, will now include nearly 450 million people. This expansion is expected to significantly enhance free movement, trade, tourism, and the internal market, further solidifying EU unity and global influence.
Since March 2024, Romania and Bulgaria have successfully implemented Schengen rules, including lifting air and sea border controls. The final step, lifting internal land border controls, was achieved after Austria lifted its veto, paving the way for full integration.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the decision as a “historic moment,” emphasizing the benefits for both Bulgarian and Romanian citizens and the EU as a whole. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu echoed this sentiment, noting that full membership would provide a major economic boost and faster journeys for millions of Romanians living and working in the Schengen Area.
Hungary, which currently holds the EU presidency, called the decision a “landmark step” that will benefit not only Bulgaria and Romania but the entire EU. The lifting of restrictions is expected to reduce road travel time significantly, particularly for commercial trucks, which have faced delays and bottlenecks at border crossings.
With this move, the Schengen Area reinforces its role as a cornerstone of the European Union, facilitating smooth travel and enhancing the EU’s global connectivity.
