ALBAWABA - Bulgaria and Romania have reached a resolution, that has been 13 years in the making, to become partial members of the European Schengen area of free movement, which allows more than 400 million individuals to move across member countries without being subject to internal border procedures.
A full membership was vetoed by Austria blocking a free land travel, as Vienna has concerns regarding potential illegal immigration numbers. However, checks over air and sea have been lifted, allowing millions of citizens from both countries to travel more freely.
“I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries,” said Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President in statement on X (formerly Twitter), “Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens,” she added.
Romania, Bulgaria, welcome to the Schengen Area!
Today is a historic day - for the people of Romania and Bulgaria and for all Europeans.
Let’s continue to move closer together for a united, safe, and more secure Europe 🇪🇺🇷🇴🇧🇬 pic.twitter.com/Co1qBSojxL— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) March 31, 2024
According to the Romanian government, as France 24 writes, Schengen regulations will be implemented at four seaports and seventeen airports, with the largest terminal for new Schengen flights being Otopeni Airport, located close to Bucharest.
Additional personnel, consisting of border police and immigration officials, will also be stationed at airports to assist travelers and identify anyone attempting to exit Romania without authorization.
Catalin Predoiu, Romanian Interior Minister said earlier this month “There is no doubt that this process is irreversible,” adding that it “must be completed by 2024 with the extension to land borders,” as reported by Al-Jazeera.
