Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen area with open borders in the air and at sea. This was reported by UNN with reference to the European Commission.
Details
EU members unanimously approved the phased integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area.
Today marks a historic moment for Bulgaria and Romania, and a day of great pride for the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria. Starting in March, they will be able to freely cross internal sea and air borders without border controls. This is an important step forward for both countries and for the Schengen area as a whole
It is noted that discussions on the date of possible abolition of checks of persons at land borders will continue in 2024, and it is expected that the EU decision on this issue will be made within a "reasonable time".
Addendum
Bulgaria and Romania have been working since 2007 to become part of the Schengen area. The European Commission announced that the two countries were ready to take this step back in 2011, but the process was blocked by various EU countries.
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In December 2022, the EU Council agreed on the decision, but Austria eventually blocked it due to "weak efforts" to combat illegal migration.
In 2023, accession to Schengen was blocked by Hungary, which criticized Bulgaria for imposing a tax on Russian gas transit.
For reference
The Schengen area is a group of European countries that have agreed to abolish border controls between them. Thus, people can travel freely within the Schengen area without any delays. Currently, the Schengen area includes 27 countries.
The Schengen Community was established in 1985 by France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Recall
The Council of the European Union has adopted new rules that will allow people planning to travel to the Schengen area to apply for a visa online.