Romania and Bulgaria to Join Schengen Area in 2025 Following Historic Decision

Romania and Bulgaria to Join Schengen Area in 2025 Following Historic Decision

Romania

Romania and Bulgaria will fully join the Schengen Area, with internal land border controls set to be lifted on January 1, 2025. The landmark decision, unanimously adopted by the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council on December 12, was hailed as historic by the Foreign Ministries of both countries, CE Report quotes Agerpres

“This completes the process of our accession to the Schengen Area, a long-standing objective since our EU membership,” the joint statement emphasized.

The ministries highlighted the benefits of this integration, which include enhanced economic opportunities, improved mobility for citizens, and greater trust in the European project. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the EU's external borders and contributing to European security.

EU Interior Ministers formally announced the decision, marking a new chapter for Romania and Bulgaria within the Single Market and the Schengen Zone.

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