Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria and Romania become full members of Schengen

Photo: EPA/BGNES-archive

The Council of the European Union decided that checks at the land Schengen borders of Bulgaria and Romania will be lifted from January 1, the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU said. In 2024, checks at the air and sea Schengen borders of the two countries were also removed. Bulgaria and Romania will continue to conduct random checks at their Schengen borders for another 6 months. ''This is a great victory for Bulgaria, Romania and all of Europe'', the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU said.

'' It is a historic decision that completes the process of accession of the two countries to the area of free movement within EU, a major objective of both the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania since their accession to the European Union. The accession to the free-movement area of both countries brings direct benefits for their citizens, will enhance economic opportunities for their businesses, and will also promote growth within the Single Market. It is a reconfirmation of the values and principles that builds up their citizens’ trust in the European project. From now on, Bulgarian and Romanian citizens are entitled to fully enjoy the benefits of the free movement within the Schengen area. Both countries remain engaged in bringing their substantive contribution to the protection of EU external borders and the consolidation of the European project.'', the document further states. 




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The military research vessel "Sts Cyril and Metodius" returns to Bulgaria after its third mission to Antarctica

The military research vessel RSV 421 "Sts Cyril and Metodius" has returned to Bulgaria after successfully completing its third mission to Antarctica. The ship docked at the Marine Station in Varna, where it was welcomed with a military ceremony...

published on 4/12/25 11:42 AM
Associate Professor Naum Kaychev

The work of the Bulgarian–Macedonian Commission on Historical Issues is stalled

The latest discussions of the Bulgaria-North Macedonia Commission on Historical Issues were completely unproductive due to the position of the colleagues from Skopje. In essence, there was no productive atmosphere. The colleagues from North..

published on 4/12/25 10:40 AM

Burgas hosts the world competition Sauvignon Selection by CMB

Burgas will host the 16th edition of Sauvignon Selection , a major segment of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and one of the most prestigious independent wine competitions in the world. Over 1,000 Sauvignon Blanc wines from all over the world will..

published on 4/12/25 8:15 AM