Schengen Expansion: A Milestone for Bulgaria and Romania

Bulgaria and Romania are set to become full members of the Schengen Area from January 1, 2025, with the removal of land border controls. This historic decision will facilitate travel and boost economic cooperation within the EU.

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Brussels, Belgium—A significant step towards greater European integration has been taken, with the EU Council deciding to lift land border controls between Bulgaria, Romania, and the other Schengen Area countries starting January 1, 2025.

This move marks a historic moment for Bulgaria and Romania, who have been working towards full Schengen membership for years. The decision to abolish internal border controls will facilitate smoother travel, boost economic growth, and strengthen cooperation between the countries.

Marian-Cătălin Predoiu (Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Internal Affairs, Romania), Sándor Pinter (Minister for the Interior, Hungary), Atanas Ilkov (Minister for the Interior, Bulgaria) and Magnus Brunner (European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration). Photo © Hungarian presidency

"It is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania as full Schengen members," said Sándor Pintér, Hungarian Minister for Home Affairs. "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."

The Schengen Area, which currently comprises 29 countries, is the largest free travel area in the world. The removal of border controls between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries will further enhance freedom of movement within the EU.

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