Thursday, January 2, 2025 Romania and Bulgaria have become full members of the European Union’s Schengen zone, eliminating land border controls with other member states as of New Year’s Day. This milestone, long-awaited by both nations, marks a significant step in their integration into Europe’s political and economic framework. The Schengen zone, known for its passport-free travel across member countries, is often regarded as a symbol of European unity and cooperation.
The expansion was celebrated as a historic event by Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, who spoke from Kulata, a town on Bulgaria’s border with Greece. Romanian Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu and Bulgarian Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov also participated in symbolic ceremonies at the Giurgiu-Russe border crossing between Romania and Bulgaria and the Nadlac-Csanadpalota crossing between Romania and Hungary. At these locations, barriers were raised to mark the removal of border controls.
Although Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007 and met the requirements to enter the Schengen zone by 2010, their accession was delayed for over a decade. Concerns from some member states, including fears of unsustainable migration and pressure on welfare systems in wealthier EU regions, hindered their entry. Austria was among the most vocal opponents, exercising a veto from 2022 onwards due to concerns about migration.
However, this veto was lifted in December 2024, clearing the way for th.
