Historic Moment for Eastern Europe
Romania and Bulgaria officially became full members of the Schengen free movement area at midnight on January 1, 2025 (2200 GMT), ending a 13-year-long wait for full membership. This expansion brings the Schengen Area to 29 countries, including Romania and Bulgaria, after they were partially included in March, which removed border checks at ports and airports.
The Schengen Zone, which now consists of 27 European Union (EU) countries and several non-EU states, is a borderless region where people can travel freely between member states without passport controls. The agreement was originally established in 1985 to promote economic cooperation, tourism, and security while ensuring strong external borders for the region.
Schengen Visa and Benefits of Membership
A Schengen visa allows travelers to visit any member country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. While most Schengen countries are EU members, non-EU states such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are also part of the zone. This membership facilitates seamless travel and strengthens Europe’s commitment to regional unity.
Overcoming Obstacles to Full Membership
The formal inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen Zone became a reality after Austria and other member states dropped their objections, paving the way for the two Eastern European countries to join. Previously, Austria had threatened to veto their full entry due to concerns about migration. This objection resulted in land border controls remaining in place.
In December, Austria withdrew its veto threat following an agreement on a “border protection package” between the three countries. The deal, which includes the deployment of joint border guards at the Bulgarian-Turkish border and temporary land border controls for six months, helped clear the way for Romania and Bulgaria’s full membership.
Economic and Social Implications of Joining Schengen
Romania and Bulgaria, both EU members since 2007, had already met the technical criteria for joining the Schengen Zone by 2011. However, their accession was repeatedly blocked due to objections from other member states. This frustration, according to analyst Valentin Naumescu, was leveraged by anti-EU political parties in Romania, who argued that the country was being unfairly treated.
The recent expansion is expected to have significant economic benefits. Romania and Bulgaria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is predicted to grow by at least one percentage point as a result of their Schengen membership. Additionally, the countries’ tourism industries are poised for a boost, with a surge in visitors from the two nations expected in neighboring Greece.
Celebrations and Anticipation
Leaders in both Romania and Bulgaria have hailed the event as a historic achievement, with celebrations taking place across the two countries. In particular, truckers, who have long endured long waits at border crossings, are celebrating the end of border checks. Beniamin Lucescu, head of the Romanian transport federation, expressed relief, noting that the previous delays, sometimes lasting up to 20 hours, had been a “pure waste of time.”
However, Bulgaria’s outdated road and railroad infrastructure may limit the positive effects of Schengen membership, potentially affecting the country’s growth in the transportation and logistics sectors.
The Future of Tourism and Travel
One of the most anticipated changes following Romania and Bulgaria’s inclusion in the Schengen Zone is the impact on tourism. Many expect a significant increase in the number of tourists traveling between these two countries and Greece, as the ease of travel across the borders will make short trips more accessible.
Greek business owners and tourism professionals are already looking forward to the influx of visitors. Ivailo Kirkov, a sales manager with a house in northern Greece, expressed excitement, saying, “It’s excellent news. We’d been waiting impatiently.” Similarly, Greek teacher and tour guide Gueorgui Grantcharov predicted a rush of Romanian and Bulgarian tourists to Greece, noting that the lack of border queues would make travel much easier. “It takes just over four hours to get from Sofia to Thessaloniki,” he explained.
A New Era for Romania and Bulgaria in Europe
With Romania and Bulgaria’s full membership in the Schengen Area, both countries can now fully participate in the benefits of the borderless zone. This moment marks the end of a long journey and sets the stage for deeper integration into the European community, bringing both economic growth and increased opportunities for tourism and international cooperation.
