Romania and Bulgaria are finally joining the European Union’s border-free Schengen travel zone, which will be a relief to the 25 million people living in these countries. This decision comes 17 years after Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed it as a day of joy.
The new laws will take effect on January 1, 2025. Travelers will drive from Romania and Bulgaria to France, Spain, or Norway without a passport. Although border checks were lifted for air and sea travel last March, Austria only recently lifted its resistance to ending land border checks.
However, truck drivers will still face bureaucracy at the borders. Hungary plans to continue inspecting trucks and documents at the Nadlac border crossing for at least six months. Bulgaria has built a new truck park and electronic barrier at Ruse, charging €25 per truck.
The Schengen zone, established in 1985, allows passport-free travel across most EU nations and some non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland. The UK is not part of the Schengen zone. However, visitors from the UK can visit without a visa for up to 90 days.
Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen zone will boost trade and investment. However, Radu Dinescu, head of the Romanian Road-Haulers’ Association, notes that work remains to streamline truck border checks.
Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen entry marks a significant milestone in their EU integration and is expected to have an impact on the lives of millions of people. The new laws will also likely increase economic growth and create job opportunities. Additionally, removing border checks will make it easier for people to travel and do business across the region.
