Bulgaria and Romania have finally been admitted as full members of Schengen after a wait of almost 14 years.
Land border controls between the two countries, as well as Romania-Hungary and Bulgaria-Greece will disappear on January 1, 2025.
The development means it will now be possible to drive from Sofia to Oslo or Athens to Lisbon without ever needing to get out a passport or identity card.
Today is a day of joy for all Bulgarians, Romanians and our entire Union. Both Member States will fully join the world’s largest free movement area. This is important for all of us, European citizens and businesses. Together we will reap the benefits of a stronger and more connected Union.
Both Bulgaria and Romania said they had met the criteria required to join Schengen long ago, but the Netherlands, and then Austria, vetoed membership for years citing concerns about illegal migration.
Austria relented this year and the southeast European countries partially joined Schengen, with air and sea borders in March although ID checks remained at land borders.
Governments complained they were losing hundreds of millions of euros with thousands of trucks carrying goods and produce held up at the various borders, sometimes for days.
The estimated cost to the economy of each country an estimated 2% of GDP per year. Membership will boost travel for tourists and also the economies.
I warmly welcome the positive decision taken today in #Brussels regarding the full accession of Romania 🇷🇴 to the #Schengen Area. Romanian citizens are looking forward to be a part of this border-free space of free movement. Our accession will strengthen EU security and unity.
— Klaus Iohannis (@KlausIohannis) December 12, 2024
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