Bulgaria and Romania to fully join schengen zone in 2025

European Union ministers have approved the full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area, the EU’s border-free travel zone, by lifting land border checks starting January 1, 2025. The move was announced on Thursday by Hungary, which currently holds the EU presidency.

The decision marks the final step in the inclusion of both nations in Schengen, following their partial admission in March, which allowed air and sea travel without ID checks but maintained land border controls due to opposition, mainly from Austria. Concerns had been raised over the countries’ efforts to curb unauthorized migration.

“Interior ministers have just adopted a decision to lift internal land border controls with and between Bulgaria and Romania,” Hungary’s presidency posted on X (formerly Twitter). “A great victory for Bulgaria, Romania, and all of Europe!”

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu hailed the decision as a significant boost for the country’s economy and a relief for millions of Romanians traveling within the Schengen area.
“This will mean faster journeys home and greater convenience for our citizens,” Ciolacu stated.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis described the development as “natural and necessary,” emphasizing its potential to reduce border wait times, cut logistical costs for businesses, and enhance Romania’s appeal to foreign investors.
“Schengen membership has been a strategic objective for our country,” Iohannis said, adding that Romania remains committed to securing and strengthening the EU’s external borders to address migration concerns.

The Schengen Area, established in 1985, now encompasses 23 of the 27 EU member states, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. It facilitates free movement for over 420 million people, allowing them to cross borders without checks. The area is credited with boosting business, tourism, and regional integration across Europe.

Bulgaria and Romania’s accession underscores the EU’s commitment to expanding freedom of movement, one of the union’s central pillars. Around 3.5 million people cross Schengen borders daily, making it the largest free travel area in the world.

This decision highlights the EU’s resolve to deepen integration while addressing shared challenges like border security and migration.