Schengen

Bulgaria and Romania are set to fully join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025. This follows a lengthy process beginning in 2011, culminating in the EU's approval on December 12, 2024, after Austria lifted its veto concerning migration concerns

.The two countries had previously entered Schengen via air and sea on March 31, 2024, and will now also eliminate land border checks.

Romanian President Klaus lohannis hailed this accession as a significant step for both nations, enhancing travel and trade within the EU.