On December 12, 2024, EU interior ministers announced that Romania and Bulgaria will fully join the border-free Schengen Area starting January 1, 2025. This decision marks the end of a long journey for both countries, which have been EU members since 2007.
The Schengen Area currently comprises 29 countries, including 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries. Joining the Schengen Area means that Romania and Bulgaria will no longer have border controls with other Schengen countries, allowing for free movement of people, goods, and services.
The decision to allow full membership came after Austria lifted its long-standing veto, which was based on concerns about migration and border management. Both Romania and Bulgaria have made significant progress in addressing these issues, leading to their acceptance into the Schengen Area.
