Romania and Bulgaria have officially become full members of the European Union’s border-free Schengen area after eliminating land border controls within the bloc. The expansion was formally implemented at midnight on Wednesday, marked by celebratory events at various border posts in the two countries.
The European Parliament welcomed the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area, emphasizing that there will be no more checks when crossing land borders between these countries and any Schengen member state.
At the symbolic moment of midnight, the interior ministers of Bulgaria and Romania raised a barrier at the Danube Bridge, also known as the Friendship Bridge, a significant transit point for international trade between the two nations. Fireworks illuminated the sky near the Bulgarian border town of Ruse, where the bridge connects to the country.
Both countries had previously joined the Schengen area for air and sea travel in March, with discussions ongoing regarding land border controls. The final hurdle to full membership was cleared when Austria withdrew its veto last month, citing concerns about irregular migration.
The European Commission has lauded the expanded Schengen area, stating that it strengthens the EU as a unified entity both internally and on the global stage. The Schengen zone now encompasses 25 of the 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Facilitating the free movement of over 425 million EU citizens and non-EU nationals within the bloc, the Schengen area allows individuals to travel, work, and reside without special formalities. It stands as the largest area of free movement globally, promoting seamless mobility and integration.
Despite its benefits, the Schengen scheme has faced challenges, with occasional disputes among member states over security and migration issues. In response to migration concerns, Germany temporarily reintroduced border controls along all its land borders in September as a security measure.
Member states retain the authority to reinstate border controls at internal borders in cases of significant threats to public policy or internal security, ensuring the safety and stability of the Schengen area.
