After years of discussions, Bulgaria and Romania will be fully integrated into the Schengen Area effective January 1st, 2025, after the EU ministers green-lighted the process on Thursday.
In detail, the EU Council of Interior Ministers has officially decided to lift internal land border controls with Bulgaria and Romania starting January 1, 2025.
“Romania and Bulgaria fully belong to the Schengen Area,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on platform “X” (formerly Twitter).
“A great victory for Bulgaria, Romania, and all of Europe!” proclaimed the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council on “X.” Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér described the removal of border checks with the two countries as “a historic moment.”
The Schengen Area Agreement defines a region encompassing 29 EU member states, which allows citizens and businesses of the signatory nations free travel and trade. It was established in 1995.
