Thu Dec 12 17:47:27 UTC 2024: ## Bulgaria and Romania Join Schengen Area After 13-Year Wait
**Sofia, Bulgaria –** Bulgaria and Romania will become full members of the Schengen Area, the EU’s borderless travel zone, starting January 1, 2025, ending a 13-year wait. The decision, announced Thursday by EU officials, follows the lifting of Austria’s veto. Austria, which had raised concerns about increased migration, dropped its opposition after a border protection agreement was signed with Bulgaria and Romania. This agreement includes joint deployment of border guards to the Bulgarian-Turkish border and temporary land border controls for six months.
Both countries, EU members since 2007, were granted partial access to the Schengen Area in March, allowing borderless air and sea travel. However, land border controls remained in place due to Austria’s concerns.
The decision has been hailed as a historic moment by both Bulgaria and Romania, who had fulfilled all technical requirements since 2010. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated the accession is a “recognition of our years-long efforts and progress.” He reiterated Romania’s commitment to securing the EU’s external borders.
The Schengen Area, established in 1985, now comprises 29 countries, allowing free movement for over 400 million people. This expansion marks a significant step towards further EU integration.
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