Bulgaria and Romania remove border barriers, joining Schengen
- Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, eliminating border checks with Greece.
- The EU Council made the decision to lift controls after over a decade of delays for both countries.
- This accession is a historic achievement that enhances freedom of movement and strengthens regional ties.
On January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania officially became full members of the Schengen Area, marking a significant milestone after over a decade of waiting for accession. The decision, made by the EU Council in December 2024, eliminated regular border checks between Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, fostering greater freedom of movement for citizens of the two countries. The interior ministers of Bulgaria and Romania, Atanas Ilkov and Katalin Predoyu, symbolically lifted the border barrier at the Danube Bridge checkpoint, representing a new beginning for the millions of residents who can travel across borders without needing a passport. In the months leading to this historic decision, the EU Council approved the lifting of border checks, first for air and sea travel starting March 31, 2024. The removal of barriers is expected to enhance tourism and economic collaboration within the region, facilitating seamless travel from countries such as Greece to Finland and Portugal, thereby linking the entire area more cohesively. This development corresponds with a growing sentiment in favor of a more integrated Europe, as it showcases the benefits of collective cooperation among member states. The process for Bulgaria and Romania's accession has been fraught with challenges. For over 13 years, both nations faced opposition from various EU member states, often spurring debates around issues of security and immigration. Despite fulfilling the necessary criteria since 2011, multiple objections delayed their entry, fuelling frustrations and nurturing anti-EU sentiments within these countries. The public sentiment has highlighted the perceived inequities experienced by Bulgarians and Romanians compared to other EU citizens, culminating in political gains for far-right parties within Romania, reflecting restive sentiment towards the EU. With the formal lifting of border controls, random checks will be implemented within the first half of 2025 to address concerns surrounding illegal migration and smuggling. Authorities have committed to enhancing security and optimizing vehicle checks using modern methods. The integration of artificial intelligence and enhanced task forces indicates a concerted effort to maintain safety while offering freer movement. The new arrangements aim for a balance between security and mobility in a continually evolving European landscape, signaling a hopeful future for Bulgaria and Romania as they step onto the broader European stage without internal barriers.