From January 1, 2025 Bulgaria and Romania receive the official status of full members of the Schengen area. This is an important stage in the integration of states into the EU area. At the meeting of the EU Council on December 12, 2024, a resolution was adopted abolishing the rules of border control with these countries and it comes into force from the new year.
The long-awaited announcement marked the completion of the integration procedure, which began back in March this year, when Bulgaria and Romania abolished passport control at the border by air and sea. However, the issue of land borders remained controversial due to concerns about migration flows.
Sandor Pinter, Head of the Interior Ministry Hungary, which is currently the Chairman of the In the Council of the EU, he noted that a historic moment had come. The Schengen area is happy to welcome new members. In recent years, the abolition of control at land border crossings has been a priority. And now this task is completed.
Benefits for citizens of countries and the European Union
Not only the residents of these countries, but also the whole world will benefit from the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area The European Union as a whole. For example, free movement without the need to pass The checkpoints will contribute to the development of economic ties. New benefits will appear for tourists, Romanian and Bulgarian digital nomads, since the borders will be opened for free movement.
Improving security coordination is also an important aspect. With the use of the unified Schengen information system, both countries will be able to more quickly exchange the necessary information with other members of the union.
Expert opinions
Experts also believe that this decision will help stabilize the migration situation and provide foreign investors with a more stable and secure environment.
Dana Spetlenu, an analyst at the Center for European Studies in Bucharest, comments: “Joining the Schengen area is a long–awaited step for us. This will significantly strengthen our economy and integration with Europe.”
Today, the Schengen area includes 29 countries covering 420 million inhabitants. However, not all EU states are part of the zone. For example, control at the internal borders with Cyprus has not yet been lifted, and Ireland is not at all part of it.
This historic moment will be another important milestone on the way to strengthening unity and cooperation within the European Union, bringing tangible benefits not only to the citizens of Bulgaria and Romania, but also to all Europeans.
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