The decision, which comes after the last member states lifted objections to the two countries joining the zone, means that “citizens can travel without land border controls to and between Bulgaria and Romania.”
“It is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania as full Schengen members,” said Sándor Pintér, the Hungarian interior minister. Hungary, which holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, has long pushed for Bulgaria and Romania’s membership of the zone.
“Lifting checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between those member states has been a top priority for the Hungarian presidency, and today we have made it a reality. This step will benefit not only Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, but also the EU as a whole.”
Reacting to the news, Klaus Iohannis, the Romanian president, wrote on the X platform: “I warmly welcome the positive decision taken today in #Brussels regarding the full accession of Romania to the Schengen Area. Romanian citizens are looking forward to be part of this border-free space of free movement. Our accession will strengthen EU security and unity.”
Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, posted a picture of the Bulgarian and Romanian flags with words “Fully in Schengen” --where you belong.”
Bulgaria and Romania have been trying to enter the zone since their EU accession on January 1, 2007, but their attempts were foiled by concerns in other European countries over corruption and security.
The news of Schengen membership will be welcomed by the leadership Bulgaria and Romania. Both countries are mired in political crises that have tarnished the reputation of ruling parties, and undermined support in public institutions.
Bulgaria is facing the possibility of its eighth general election in three years as parties struggle to form a government following inconclusive elections in October.
Last week, Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of the presidential election following allegations of foreign interference in a move unprecedented in the modern history of the country.
The two states, however, join the zone at a time when it is coming under increasing pressure from member states wanting to control the movement of migrants.
Germany, France and the Netherlands have all imposed border checks, arguing that controls are needed to combat illegal migration and crime.
