The European Council voted unanimously on Thursday to officially lift internal land border controls with Bulgaria and Romania as of January 1, 2025, making them fully part of the Schengen area.
The Council decided to let Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area in December 2023 and lifted the controls on internal air and sea borders with the two countries on March 31, 2024. Yesterday, Austria lifted its veto on the expansion of the Schengen area, which allowed for both Bulgaria and Romania to become fully fledged members.
"Today is a day of joy for all Bulgarians, Romanians and our entire Union. Both Member States will fully join the world's largest free movement area. This is important for all of us, European citizens and businesses," President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated.
