Romania, Bulgaria set to join EU’s border-free Schengen zone in January 2025

European Parliament President Roberta Metzola said Romania and Bulgaria are set to fully join the EU’s border-free Schengen zone on January 1, 2025.

Metsola shared a post on X, writing, “It’s done. It has been decided. it is worthy. Romania and Bulgaria will fully join Schengen on 1 January 2025.

“Congratulations to the people of both the countries who have worked hard for this. A stronger Schengen is a symbol of a safer and more united Europe,” the post added.

Meanwhile, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis welcomed the decision and said that “Romanian citizens are eager to be part of this border-free space of free movement.”

Sharing a post on X, he/she wrote, “I warmly welcome the positive decision taken today in #Brussels regarding the full accession of Romania to the #SchengenArea. Romanian citizens are eager to be part of this border-free space of free movement. “Our joining will strengthen the security and unity of the European Union.”

“Romania thanks all EU institutions and Member States for their support and trust. Today’s decision is a recognition of our years of efforts and the progress achieved. “RO assures that we will continue to act responsibly to secure and strengthen the EU’s external borders.”

After Bulgaria joined Schengen, President Rumen Radev said that this accession was necessary for the development of the Bulgarian economy. “Bulgaria has achieved one of its strategic goals with joining Schengen, which is essential for the well-being of citizens and the development of the Bulgarian economy. I congratulate all those who have made a real contribution to this achievement,” Radev wrote on X.

In particular, the border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 425 million EU citizens, as well as those resident in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, including students and exchange students. Guarantees free movement to non-EU citizens (anyone legally present in the EU) for business or commercial purposes. ,

Free movement of persons enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in an EU country without special formalities. According to the European Commission, Schengen underpins this freedom by enabling citizens to move around within the Schengen area without being subject to border checks.

The Schengen provisions eliminate checks at the EU’s internal borders, while providing a set of rules for controls at external borders that apply to those entering the Schengen area for up to 90 days.