Romania and Bulgaria will become full members of the Schengen free-travel zone next month, increasing the total number of participating nations to 29, the EU announced on Thursday.
Starting January 1, border checks at land crossings with Bulgaria and Romania will end after Austria lifted its long-standing veto, which had been based on concerns about illegal immigration.
Romania and Bulgaria, both EU and NATO members, partially joined Schengen in March following a prior agreement with Austria. At that time, air and maritime checks were removed, while negotiations over land border entry continued throughout 2024.
Austria stated this week that its conditions for Bulgaria and Romania contributed to a reduction in the number of migrants intercepted near Hungary’s border, a major route for migrants traveling from Africa and the Middle East toward northern Europe.
“This step will benefit not just Romanian and Bulgarian citizens, but the entire EU,” Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter said in a statement.
Despite the Schengen agreements promoting free movement, countries like Germany and the Netherlands have recently tightened border controls to curb illegal immigration.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis highlighted that removing land border checks would cut waiting times and logistics costs for businesses, enhancing the country’s appeal to foreign investors.
“The benefits of joining the Schengen area are numerous, positively impacting citizens, the economy, and Romania’s international image,” Iohannis said.
Bulgaria’s leadership echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that full Schengen membership marks a significant milestone in the country’s European integration and will improve economic opportunities.
Analysts suggest that lifting land border restrictions will streamline trade routes, reduce delays for trucks and travelers, and bolster cross-border cooperation. Businesses in both countries have long advocated for this move, citing significant economic losses due to prolonged border checks.
The Schengen Area, one of the EU’s hallmark achievements, allows for passport-free travel between member countries, fostering economic growth and mobility. However, migration concerns in recent years have led some member states to temporarily reintroduce border controls, sparking debate over the future of the agreement.
With Austria now dropping its opposition, both Romania and Bulgaria hope this decision will strengthen their role within the EU, improve regional connectivity, and encourage further investments in infrastructure and trade.
The European Commission welcomed the development, calling it a step toward a “more united and integrated Europe” and a testament to Romania and Bulgaria’s efforts to meet EU standards on border security and migration management.
