Hungarian officials claim that Romania and Bulgaria could become full members in the Schengen Area before January 2025. This milestone comes after years of partial integration. The two Balkan nations joined the European Union back in 2007, but didn’t gain full access until March 2023.
Despite the removal of border checks for air travel and maritime travel, restrictions on land borders remain due to concerns regarding illegal migration. This was primarily Austria which had blocked entry into the zone. Austria’s opposition was lifted after recent discussions held in Budapest by the interior ministers from Austria, Bulgaria Hungary and Romania. This opens the door for the EU interior ministers to make a final decision in December 2024.
Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér confirmed that the two countries are now “one step closer” to full membership, and a significant step will be the deployment of at least 100 border guards to the border between Bulgaria and Turkey.
This agreement marks a turning point for the Schengen expansion. EU officials, such as Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johannsson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the development and stated that Romania and Bulgaria “fully belong” in the Schengen Area. Johansson was pleased with the development, describing it a step towards full freedom of the citizens of the two countries.
The Schengen Area (also known as the Schengen Area) was created in 1985. Before Bulgaria, Romania, and Switzerland were admitted, it consisted of 23 EU member countries along with Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Around 3.5 millions people cross an interior border every day. Austria vetoed Romania’s and Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Zone at the end of 2020, but allowed Croatia full membership. Bulgaria and Romania joined EU in 2007 while Croatia did so in 2013.
As a result, travelers who hold Schengen Visa will be able to travel to two additional countries. This will allow visitors the opportunity to seamlessly enter these new Schengen member countries without additional border controls.
Romania and Bulgaria’s entry into Schengen will increase travel opportunities throughout Europe, simplifying trans-border movements and boosting trade and tourism within the region. The Schengen Area, which currently includes 23 of the 27 EU member states as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will be even more accessible for travelers in January 2025 with the full integration of Romania and Bulgaria.
