Wed Jan 01 10:02:37 UTC 2025: ## Schengen Area Expands: Bulgaria and Romania Open Borders to EU

**Brussels/Sofia/Bucharest** – Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen Area at midnight on Wednesday, December 13th, eliminating border checks with other EU member states and creating the largest free travel area in the world. This marks the culmination of a 13-year wait for the two Balkan nations and expands the Schengen zone to 29 members.

The long-awaited expansion follows the lifting of objections from several EU countries, most notably Austria, who previously expressed concerns about the two countries’ ability to manage migration effectively. While Bulgaria and Romania partially joined the Schengen Area in March, allowing free movement by air and sea, land border controls remained in place.

Celebratory ceremonies were held at various border crossings, including those between Romania and Bulgaria, and Romania and Hungary. The removal of land border checks means citizens can now travel freely between Bulgaria, Romania, and the rest of the Schengen area, encompassing 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania has been championed by Hungary, which held the six-month rotating presidency of the EU and actively worked towards their integration. This move is particularly significant for the substantial Hungarian population in Romania’s Transylvania region, facilitating stronger cross-border ties.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the expansion comes at a time when some Schengen members have temporarily reinstated border controls due to concerns over migration and security. EU officials have expressed apprehension that such measures could undermine the fundamental principles of the Schengen Agreement. The Schengen Area, established in 1985, currently boasts over 420 million inhabitants and sees approximately 3.5 million daily border crossings.

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