Seventeen years after joining the European Union, Romania and Bulgaria have achieved a significant milestone: the removal of land border checks as they officially join the Schengen zone on 1 January 2025. This decision enables seamless travel across the majority of EU nations, allowing Romanians and Bulgarians to travel to destinations like France, Spain, and Norway without a passport.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the decision as a “day of joy,” emphasizing the symbolic and practical integration of the two nations into the EU’s border-free area. The move brings relief to the 25 million citizens of Romania and Bulgaria, marking their acceptance as full EU members.
Optimism for the Future
Despite the challenges, optimism remains. Philip Cox of Cramele Recas, Romania’s largest wine exporter, believes that border controls will gradually diminish. “It will happen, perhaps in six months, because it’s in everyone’s interest,” he said. This change is expected to make Romanian goods more competitive in Western and Northern European markets.
As Romania and Bulgaria prepare to fully integrate into the Schengen zone, the milestone represents both a triumph and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to modernize and streamline border systems. For the people of these nations, it is a long-awaited step towards greater unity and opportunity within Europe.
