As the clock struck midnight, Romanians were finally able to move freely through the Schengen space.
This green light for Schengen coincided with the beginning of Poland’s takeover of the EU presidency, but the decision was made on December 12, after an approval was passed in March 2024.
Now, Romania and Bulgaria will serve as external borders for the Schengen space.
This should free up travel traffic jams.
This means no more document control and long queues at entry pathways between countries — but of course, travellers must have their ID on them, as checks will be done at random.
This comes as Germany tightens its belt on border control as a result of tension immigrations.
A ceremony involving the cutting of an iron chin was held at Romania’s border with Hungary, in the “memory of Romania’s separation from the rest of Europe”. At midnight, barriers were lifted for good, and the first people who happened to cross the border between Romania and Hungary received diplomas.
Over thirty crossing points there have been closed.
Being a part of the Schengen space is said to bring economic benefits, along with obviously facilitating travel for work and education.
