In a historic decision for European unity, Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen area on January 1, 2025, marking the culmination of more than a decade of union. negotiations and reforms. The move eliminates internal border controls with both countries, providing their citizens and businesses with the benefits of free movement across 29 countries in Europe.
The path to Schengen membership
The European Union’s approval on December 12 finalized a long-awaited chapter for Romania and Bulgaria, which began in 2011 when the European Commission declared them ready to join. The move follows years of perseverance in the face of challenges, including opposition from Austria and the Netherlands over migration and governance issues.
The lifting of air and sea border controls in early 2024 paved the way for full integration, which now extends to land borders, ending tedious delays for millions of travelers and businesses.
Transformative impact for citizens and businesses
For Romanians and Bulgarians, joining Schengen is more than a political step; it’s a transformative change with tangible benefits:
Saving time for travelers: With the removal of border controls, long waits at land border crossings will be a thing of the past. Romanians and Bulgarians will benefit from traveling within the Schengen area, promoting increased mobility and convenience.
Boosting trade and logistics: Businesses moving goods across borders will no longer face hours or even days of delays, leading to significant savings in time and money. This will improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the supply chain, benefiting both exporters and importers.
Economic Growth and Tourism: Simplified travel is expected to increase cross-border tourism, encourage foreign investment and boost economic activity in the region.
A united Europe
Joining the Schengen Area underlines deepening integration within the European Union, reaffirming its commitment to a continent without borders. This development reflects the shared values of cooperation and inclusion, all the more significant as the Schengen area now includes nearly 450 million people.
How it benefits Romanians and Bulgarians
For Romania and Bulgaria, Schengen membership will address long-standing grievances over their exclusion from one of the EU’s most famous achievements. The main benefits include:
Improved Mobility: Families and individuals traveling for work, leisure or study will save time and avoid border inconveniences. Economic Opportunities: Businesses will benefit from reduced logistics costs and better market access, thereby boosting economic growth and job creation. Regional Development: Improved connectivity is likely to attract foreign direct investment, thereby strengthening infrastructure and development in both countries. Strengthened European identity: Integration into the Schengen area solidifies Romania and Bulgaria’s role as equal partners within the European Union.
Challenges ahead
Although joining Schengen is an important step, challenges remain. Random document checks will continue for some time to address security concerns, and both countries must take robust measures to combat irregular migration and organized crime.
As Romania and Bulgaria begin this new chapter, the European community as a whole stands to benefit from their full participation, thereby strengthening the Schengen area as a beacon of freedom and cooperation. For citizens of both countries, this new year marks the start of a more connected and prosperous future.
Originally published in The European Times.
source link eu news
