Bulgaria and Romania to Expand Schengen Area for Sea and Air Travelers
The European Council, under the Spanish presidency, has expanded the Schengen area to incorporate Bulgaria and Romania, allowing maritime and air passengers to enjoy seamless travel
The Schengen area will be expanded to include Bulgaria and Romania, with air and sea border controls lifted by March 2024. Discussions on lifting land border controls will continue in the new year, as per the European Commission.
The commission expressed that an expanded Schengen area will enhance the EU's strength as a Union, both domestically and internationally, and warmly welcomed both countries. Currently, the Schengen area allows for unrestricted travel within a territory of 26 countries (22 of which are EU countries) and encompasses over 400 million citizens, establishing it as the largest area of free movement globally, as stated by the Commission.
Portalet, on the border between France and Spain.
Courtesy IgnacioEvangelista.com
Extraordinary architecture of Europes abandoned border posts
The European Council unanimously approved the decision to add Bulgaria and Romania. The commission also stated that it had conducted multiple "fact-finding missions" in 2022 and 2023 to the countries' external borders to confirm their readiness to join Schengen.
European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Romania and Bulgaria via X, describing it as "a long-awaited step for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens to enjoy easier freedom of movement with the perspective of land transport to come."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the decision as "a historic moment for Bulgaria and Romania, and a day of great pride for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens. This is a major step forward for both countries and for the Schengen area as a whole."
The decision was also celebrated by Romania and Bulgaria, with Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu expressing gratitude to all EU partners and institutions for their support, and reaffirming Romania's commitment to a strong and secure Schengen area.
On X, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis reiterated the statements made by his foreign minister, highlighting that "it is an important advancement for the Romanian people."
At the same time, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel expressed on X that "today, Schengen gains strength with the addition of Bulgaria and Romania."
