Romania, Bulgaria become full members of Schengen zone – DW – 12/12/2024

Bulgaria and Romania Embrace Schengen Free Movement

After years of anticipation and bureaucratic hurdles, Bulgaria and Romania are set to join Schengen, the world’s largest free-movement zone, on January 1, 2025. This momentous decision, made by European interior ministers in Brussels, finally opens the borders between these Balkan nations and the rest of Europe.

A Historic Milestone

“It is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania,” declared Sandor Pinter, Hungary’s interior minister and holder of the European Union’s rotating presidency, as the decision was announced.

This move marks a significant step for both countries, which have been members of the EU since 2007. They have met the Schengen requirements since 2010, but their accession faced delays due to concerns from other member states about migration.

## Overcoming Obstacles

Austria, in particular, had been a major holdout, raising concerns about border control and migration flows. However, Vienna ultimately presented no veto to Bulgaria and Romania’s entry. This followed a pact in which Bulgaria agreed to enhance its border security measures, notably by deploying additional border guards to its frontier with Turkey.

This compromise, alongside years of lobbying and diplomatic efforts,” paved the way for Thursday’s breakthrough.

Expanding Europe’s Free Movement Zone

Created in 1985, the Schengen area allows for passport-free travel between 27 European countries. The inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania expands this zone, encompassing all EU nations except Cyprus and Ireland, along with non-EU members Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

This expansion symbolizes the ongoing efforts towards greater integration and seamless movement across Europe. It’s anticipated to boost tourism, trade, and economic cooperation between these nations and the rest of the Schengen zone.

The decision has been met with widespread celebration in both Bulgaria and Romania. For many citizens, it represents a long-awaited symbol of their full integration into the heart of Europe and access to the same freedoms enjoyed by their Western neighbors.