As of January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria joined Schengen, when they became official members of the Schengen Zone. It is this that lifts the number of European countries in the borderless movement zone to 29 and offers an increase in trade and tourism within the European Union. To those who are previously considering moving from one Schengen country to another, consulting with the Best Immigration Consultants in Abu Dhabi, UAE is the best one to do.
A crucial meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council on December 12, 2024, sealed the finalization of the long-awaited moment of Romania and Bulgaria, finally joining Schengen. For instance, both countries had not entered the Schengen Zone in full on March 31, 2024, but were permitted to fully enter the Schengen Zone from January 1, 2025. It also means travel by air, sea, or, most importantly, land has been possible this time, despite concerns surrounding migration control.
The real accession places for Romania and Bulgaria were Schengen, and that was a long and quite difficult process. Austria had long time blocked full inclusion even though both countries have met the technical criteria for membership since 2012 because it was afraid of irregular migration. But it wasn’t until December 2024 that Austria did the same, clearing the way for full membership.
Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the breakthrough was a sign that ‘after Schengen Air, we welcome now Schengen Land for Romania and Bulgaria.’ It is a momentous decision that has been through years of negotiations and has reaffirmed the European Union’s determination to broaden the Schengen Zone.
Bulgaria and Romania join Schengen in EU efforts to create a more integrated, borderless Europe. The two countries join the EU nations now able to travel freely between Schengen countries without passport controls. That will generate higher tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Romania, Bulgaria, and other EU countries.
Additionally, the decision of the entry of Romania and Bulgaria into Schengen will positively influence businesses. Goods and services will cross national borders quicker without border checks slowing those goods and services in and out of Romania and Bulgaria where trade will be easier as a result. Then there are a lot of new business opportunities open up in the Schengen Area.
When Romania and Bulgaria joined Schengen, that means there are new migration possibilities for citizens of these countries as well as for those who wish to move to Schengen country. Lifting of internal borders between Romania and Bulgaria and other Schengen members will facilitate travel and usher in greater flexibility of travel for both work and leisure.
Therefore, the new prospects for job seekers, students, and entrepreneurs for those wishing to migrate to or from Romania and Bulgaria. Considering that people are now free to travel across open borders across the wider Schengen Area, it’s an exciting time for those looking to take advantage of it.
Romania and Bulgaria entered Schengen but the journey isn’t finished here. Under the Budapest agreement, the two countries agreed to keep some border controls in place for six months. The measures described here are taken for security and to preserve public peace. But this is a short halt, and full incorporation of the Schengen Zone will continue over the following months.
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