Bulgaria and Romania Join Schengen Area in 2025

Romania and Bulgaria are set to fully join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, following a unanimous decision by EU home affairs ministers that ends border controls with neighboring countries. This long-awaited milestone comes after nearly two decades of delays primarily due to migration concerns from other EU states, with Austria having been a significant holdout until recently. The decision was celebrated by EU officials, including European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who emphasized that both countries belong in the Schengen zone. While the accession is expected to enhance economic ties and facilitate trade and tourism, it coincides with rising migration pressures and the reintroduction of temporary border controls across parts of the Schengen Area. Critics point out that the timing raises concerns about the overall resilience of Europe’s free movement zone, as several member states have reinstated border checks citing security threats. Romania's President Klaus Iohannis highlighted the benefits this integration will bring to citizens and the economy, positioning the country favorably for foreign investment.