Romanian government economic reports and Eurostat data

Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen After 13-Year Wait, Expanding to 29 Members

Jan 1, 2025, 03:08 AM

Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined the Schengen Area as full members as of January 1, 2025, marking 18 years since their EU membership and concluding a 13-year wait for Schengen accession. This expansion increases the Schengen zone to 29 countries, allowing free movement across borders for the two nations' residents. Border checks at land crossings with Hungary and Bulgaria have been removed, with 40 land border control points closed. Random border checks will be conducted to deter criminal activities. The accession is expected to boost economic activity, particularly in transportation and tourism, by reducing costs and wait times for businesses and travelers, with GDP growth estimated at one percentage point. The development follows Austria's withdrawal of its veto after a joint patrols agreement addressing migration concerns was reached. Romania and Bulgaria had already eliminated border checks at airports and seaports in 2024. The Schengen Area now includes 25 EU countries and four non-EU nations, covering over 400 million people.