Romania and Bulgaria with full Schengen membership

Romania and Bulgaria will officially become full members of the Schengen area. After joining the European Union border agreement on 31 March 2024, these two Balkan states did not have the same status as the rest of the members. Romania and Bulgaria still had to carry out controls at their borders with other European Union countries. The reason for this was Austria's disagreement with Romania and Bulgaria's full membership of the Schengen area, and when making such decisions, the number of ‘yes, we fully accept’ votes must be unanimous. This, however, will change on 1 January 2025.

Romania and Bulgaria abolish EU border controls

On 12 December, the decision to fully admit Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, which will take place on 1 January 2025, is to be officially announced. Following the landmark decision of Austria, the only country still not in favour of the full extension of the agreement on the absence of border controls within the European Union, all Schengen member states agree to fully join Romania and Bulgaria. In addition to the absence of sea and air border controls, they will be joined by the absence of land border controls. This is a landmark decision for these two Balkan states and a chance for a better future in trade, industry and tourism.

Source: statements by the Hungarian presidency of the EU