Romania Fully Joins Schengen Area, Boosting Economy and Free Movement

Romania’s full integration into the Schengen area as of January 1, 2025, marks a historic milestone, expected to significantly boost the country's economy and exports. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu expressed optimism about overcoming global challenges, emphasizing the economic benefits of unrestricted border crossings with Hungary and Bulgaria, CE Report quotes Agerpres

“The removal of border checkpoints is more than symbolic—it ensures robust growth in Romanian exports, injecting more capital into businesses and supporting economic development,” Ciolacu stated on Facebook.

Romania’s Schengen membership completes its integration into the European Union after 18 years. Having joined the free movement area for air and sea borders in 2024, the country now enjoys full inclusion, including land borders.

On New Year’s Eve, Romanian and Bulgarian Interior Ministers attended a ceremony at the Giurgiu Border Crossing Point, marking the historic accession. Romanian Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu called it a moment of both political and practical significance, benefiting citizens, businesses, and the broader European community. Bulgarian Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov praised the achievement as a culmination of years of collaboration.

The event featured symbolic barrier lifting, fireworks over the Giurgiu-Ruse Friendship Bridge, and the first unrestricted land crossings by Romanian citizens into Bulgaria.