Romania and Bulgaria in Europe's borderless travel world

Romania and Bulgaria in Europe's borderless travel world

Romania and Bulgaria are now full members of the borderless Schengen area the European Union after controls were lifted at its land borders within the bloc.

Celebrations of admission to the Schengen area

The expansion officially came into force at midnight on Wednesday and was celebrated at some border crossings in the two countries. “Welcome to the Schengen area, Bulgaria and Romania!” wrote the European Parliament in a post on Platform X on Wednesday. "From today there will be no more controls when traveling between Bulgaria or Romania and a Schengen member country," it added.

Symbolic act on the Danube bridge

At midnight, the interior ministers of Bulgaria and Romania symbolically raised a barrier sign on the Danube bridge, Reuters reported. This bridge, also known as the Friendship Bridge, connects the two countries and is a central transportation hub for international trade. Fireworks were also set off near the Bulgarian border town of Ruse, where the bridge enters the country.

Gradual integration into the Schengen area

The two former Soviet countries partially joined the Schengen area in March by lifting controls on travel by planes and ships. However, discussions about controls at land borders continued. However, the final hurdle to full membership was removed last month when Austria lifted a veto it had maintained out of concern over irregular migration, according to Reuters.

Significance of Schengen expansion

The European Commission previously welcomed the expansion of the Schengen area, describing it as strengthening the EU both internally and at global level. The Schengen area now includes 25 of the 27 EU member states, excluding Cyprus and Ireland. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are also part of the Schengen area.

Freedom of movement for over 425 million citizens

According to the European Commission, the Schengen area allows the free movement of over 425 million EU citizens, as well as non-EU citizens living or visiting the bloc. This allows citizens of member states to travel, work and live without having to comply with any special formalities. The Schengen area is considered the largest area of ​​free movement in the world, the commission said.

Challenges in the Schengen area

The system has occasionally caused tensions between member states, particularly over security and migration policy issues. In September, Germany decided to introduce temporary controls at all of its land borders to crack down on migration. Member states have the option to temporarily reintroduce controls at internal borders in the event of serious threats to public order or internal security.