Romania and Bulgaria Set to Join Schengen Area

Romania and Bulgaria are set to fully join the Schengen Area by January 1, 2025, as announced by Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. This decision follows a critical meeting in Hungary where interior ministers from both countries and Austria are expected to finalize the agreement. Romania's accession has been delayed for years, primarily due to Austria's concerns over illegal immigration, but recent developments suggest that most EU member states are now supportive. The Dutch parliament's approval is still needed for Bulgaria's accession, but Ciolacu expressed confidence in the agreed timeline. Both countries partially entered Schengen in March 2024, gaining access by air and sea, but will now expand to land borders. This milestone marks a significant step for Romania in overcoming perceptions of being a second-class EU member and could provide an economic boost.