Statement by the European Commission on the occasion of Bulgaria and Romania becoming fully part of Schengen

December 13, 2024 by European Union Leave a Comment

(Credit: European Union Audiovisual Services)

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

The Commission welcomes today’s unanimous decision by the Council to lift internal land border controls with Romania and Bulgaria as of 1 January 2025. This important step completes the full entry of both countries into the Schengen area. This not only strengthens the Schengen area but it will further strengthen the internal market, increase travel, trade and tourism. A robust Schengen area reinforces the EU’s unity and makes the EU stronger at a global scale.

Today’s decision means that as from 1 January 2025, citizens can travel without land border controls to and between Bulgaria and Romania.

Since last December, when the Council decided to welcome Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, both Member States have taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth application of the Schengen rules as from 31 March 2024. On that date, the controls at the internal air and sea borders were lifted and the Schengen rules started to apply including on issuing Schengen visas.

The Cooperation Frameworks that the Commission launched in March this year with Bulgaria and Romania build on the successful implementation of the pilot projects for fast asylum and return procedures. Both countries will further support joint European efforts to address EU security at the EU’s external borders and tackle migratory challenges. The Commission will also continue to offer financial support and Frontex assistance to both Member States.

As pointed out in the 2024 State of Schengen report, Schengen stands strong and remains the most visited destination in the world. Guaranteeing smooth and secure travel to a region with a population of almost 450 million people, the Schengen area is essential for the European Union, its people and its businesses. With Bulgaria and Romania now fully part of Schengen we are making another crucial step to build a strong and connected Union.

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