Bulgaria, Romania Officially Join Schengen Zone

The European Union has officially approved the integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area, marking a significant milestone for the two countries.

During a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels, it was decided to eliminate internal border checks on land between the two nations and with other Schengen members starting January 1, 2025.

Since joining the EU, Bulgaria and Romania have implemented key components of the Schengen legal framework, including external border controls, police cooperation, and the use of the Schengen Information System.

The latest decision follows a December 30, 2023, resolution by the European Council to implement the remaining Schengen provisions by March 31, 2024, effectively ending air and sea border checks as well.

The Schengen Zone is the world’s largest open travel area, encompassing 29 countries, including 25 EU members and non-EU states like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It serves over 420 million people, facilitating seamless travel and trade across Europe.