Romania Fully Joins Schengen Area, Boosting Economy and Exports
Romania's full integration into the Schengen area, effective January 1, 2025, marks a historic milestone that promises significant economic benefits. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu expressed confidence that this development will strongly drive Romanian exports and help the economy navigate a challenging international context, CE Report quotes Agerpres
"The removal of border crossing points with Hungary and Bulgaria is more than symbolic; it guarantees a substantial boost for Romanian exports this year. This means increased revenues for our companies and robust support for economic growth," Ciolacu stated on Facebook.
Romania's Schengen integration comes 18 years after joining the EU and follows the inclusion of air and sea borders in 2024. Land borders are now fully integrated, allowing for seamless free movement across the region.
The historic moment was marked at the Giurgiu Border Crossing Point on New Year’s Eve, with Romanian and Bulgarian Interior Ministers symbolically lifting border barriers. Romanian Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu emphasized the significance of the event: "Romania's EU integration is now complete and irrevocable."
His Bulgarian counterpart, Atanas Ilkov, celebrated the shared achievement, highlighting the 17 years of cooperation leading to this success.
This milestone solidifies Romania's place in the European Union while offering practical benefits for citizens, businesses, and the region’s economic growth.
