Romania and Bulgaria Granted Full Schengen Zone Membership

Brussels (Eurotoday) – Romania and Bulgaria officially entered the Schengen zone on New Year, allowing passport-free travel across their borders with other EU member states.

Romania and Bulgaria closed land border authorities to become full members of the European Union‘s Schengen free-travel zone on 1 Jan 2025, joining an extended bloc of countries whose citizens can travel without passport inspections. As reported by Reuters, fireworks lit up the sky at a crossing near the Bulgarian border village of Ruse just after the stroke of midnight as the Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically introduced a wall on the Friendship Bridge spanning the Danube River. The crossing is a significant transit point for international business.

When did they apply for Schengen membership?

Both countries joined the EU in 2007 and have been applying for Schengen membership since 2011, when they were first considered ready by the European Commission. Their accession was delayed several times mainly because of objections from some EU member states over issues such as border security and illegal immigration. Their membership was finally approved after Austria lifted its veto against their inclusion. This decision was, however, influenced by an agreement with measures for improving border protection and cooperation regarding illegal immigration concerns.

What are the benefits of Schengen?

The Schengen Area brings a host of benefits to its member states, including the free movement of more than 400 million citizens who can travel visa-free and without passport checks. The elimination of internal borders facilitates travel and trade, enhances economic competitiveness, and is expected to yield an extra €110 billion due to less waiting time. 

A single Schengen Visa simplifies traveling for third-country nationals, facilitating tourism and business. Enhanced security cooperation through systems like the Schengen Information System improves collective safety. It also facilitates social integration through the right to live, work, or study across member states, further encouraging cultural exchange and mutual understanding.