Romania and Bulgaria Celebrate Full Schengen Membership: A Milestone in EU Integration

Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area. This happened after years of negotiations. Ceremonies at key borders marked the event. It symbolized their integration into the EU’s free travel zone.

Schengen Membership Achieved After Long Wait

After over a decade, Romania and Bulgaria have full Schengen membership. They joined the EU in 2007. They worked since 2011 for Schengen entry. The Schengen zone allows free EU movement. Celebrations occurred on January 1st, 2025. Bulgaria’s caretaker PM Glavchev lifted a barrier at the Kulata crossing. This benefits 25 million residents. They join 450 million EU citizens with free travel. The move enhances EU connectivity.

Symbolic Border Ceremonies Held to Mark Occasion

Celebrations took place at key border points. On January 1st, Glavchev lifted the barrier at Kulata. This ended physical border checks. Romania and Bulgaria’s interior ministers met at the Ruse-Giurgiu crossing. They held an official ceremony. A ceremony also occurred at the Hungary-Romania border. Police chiefs met to symbolize the opening.

End of Border Checks Facilitates Easier Travel

Before, residents waited long at borders. With membership, they travel freely. They go to France, Spain, and Norway without passports. Travel is more convenient. Random security checks will continue for six months. They will check larger vehicles. This prevents criminal activities.

Regional and EU Benefits Result from Membership

Open borders strengthen regional cooperation. This is especially true with Hungary. Many ethnic Hungarians live in Romania’s Transylvania. The move improves relations. It boosts tourism and trade. This benefits Romania and Bulgaria’s tourism sectors.

Significance for EU Integration Underlined

Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen entry integrates Eastern Europe. The EU’s commitment expands the Schengen zone. It fosters cooperation, unity, and security. It strengthens EU ties.