Romania, Bulgaria To Join EU Border-Free Schengen Zone By January 2025

Romania and Bulgaria are set to fully join the European Union’s border-free Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, according to Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

Sharing the announcement on X, Metsola wrote, “It’s done. It’s decided. It’s deserved. Romania & Bulgaria will fully join Schengen on 1 January 2025.” She added, “Congratulations to the people of both countries who have worked hard and long for this. A stronger Schengen signifies a safer & more united Europe.”

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis welcomed the decision and expressed the anticipation of Romanian citizens to be part of the border-free zone. Sharing his thoughts on X, he stated, “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 a part of this border-free space of free movement. Our accession will strengthen EU security and unity.”

He further added, “Romania thanks all EU institutions & member states for their support and trust. Today’s decision is a recognition of our years-long efforts and progress achieved. RO assures that we will continue to act fully responsible for protecting & strengthening EU’s external borders.”

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Bulgarian President Rumen Radev highlighted the importance of Schengen accession for his country’s economy. He remarked on X, “Bulgaria has achieved one of its strategic goals with its accession to Schengen, which is essential for the citizens and for the development of the Bulgarian economy. I congratulate all those who have made a real contribution to this achievement.”

The Schengen Area guarantees free movement to over 425 million EU citizens, as well as non-EU nationals legally residing in or visiting the EU for purposes such as tourism, business, or education. According to the European Commission, the Schengen provisions abolish internal border checks within the EU, while enforcing a uniform set of rules for external border controls. This enables EU citizens to travel, work, and live in any EU country without additional formalities and allows for movement within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without border checks.

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