Schengen Boosts Unity with New Members

STRASBOURG – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola hailed the recent accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area as a major step toward a more united and secure European Union. Speaking during a plenary session marking the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, Metsola called the expansion a “long-awaited” moment, CE Report quotes Agerpres

“What began in 1985 with five countries has grown into the world’s largest free movement zone,” she noted, highlighting that Schengen now eases daily border crossings for 3.5 million people and benefits over 400 million across the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Metsola emphasized that Schengen not only fosters economic integration but also enhances security through cooperation among law enforcement and border agencies. She stressed the need for ongoing commitment to modernize and reinforce the system, pledging the Parliament’s support in collaboration with EU institutions and member states.