Bulgaria (Washington Insider Magazine) – Romania and Bulgaria officially became full members of the Schengen Area, marking the end of a 13-year wait for the two Eastern European countries. This expansion, now making the Schengen zone 29 members, has removed identification checks at their land borders with neighboring European Union countries, allowing for free travel across the 27-member EU.
While Romania and Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen Area in March 2024, allowing air and sea travel without border checks, land border restrictions remained due to opposition from Austria and other countries. With their full integration into the zone, border controls at the Giurgiu-Ruse crossing between Romania and Bulgaria, as well as other key land borders, have now been lifted.
The official announcement was marked by ceremonies at various border posts, symbolizing the historic step towards deeper regional integration. Romania and Bulgaria, which became EU members in 2007, faced significant opposition from some Schengen members over migration and security concerns. However, with Austria and other countries dropping their objections, the long-awaited expansion was realized.
This development enhances cross-border travel and cooperation, particularly between Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary. It also strengthens the overall Schengen Area, which was first established in 1985 and has grown to encompass 27 EU countries, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The decision to lift land border checks is a major milestone for both Romania and Bulgaria, facilitating greater movement of goods and people, and contributing to economic and cultural ties across the region.
