Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 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

Bulgarians accused of espionage in UK were planning to kidnap Russian investigative journalist

Bulgarian citizens in UK, who are accused of spying for Russia, planned to kidnap a Russian investigative journalist and take him off the island by boat, it became known at the last session of the trial at the Central Criminal Court..

published on 12/11/24 9:17 AM
Andrius Kubilius

Andrius Kubilius: NATO will make members increase defence spending

It is too early to predict how the events in Syria would affect the war in Ukraine. This is what EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said in a blitz interview with BNR - Horizont. The European Commissioner recalled that according..

published on 12/11/24 8:50 AM

President Radev continues consultations on the formation of a government

On December 11 and 12, President Rumen Radev continues consultations with parliamentary groups in the 51st National Assembly before the first exploratory mandate for forming a government is handed out. Today, President Radev will meet with..

published on 12/11/24 6:05 AM