Romania and Bulgaria have been accepted as full members of the Schengen area following a vote by EU Interior Ministers, led by Hungary’s EU Presidency. The decision, effective January 1, 2025, lifts land border controls with the two nations, marking a historic milestone.
Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter called it “a great victory for Bulgaria, Romania, and all of Europe,” emphasizing its benefits for the entire EU. With their accession, the number of full Schengen members rises to 29.
This decision follows Austria’s recent withdrawal of its veto, which had previously delayed full membership due to concerns about irregular migration and corruption. Romania and Bulgaria, EU members since 2007, had been partially integrated into Schengen earlier this year.