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.

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Türkiye’s Fidan Calls for Leaders’ Summit on Ukraine War

On May 30, 2025

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the recent peace talks in Istanbul have brought a new dimension to diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and proposed a leaders’ summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “A summit with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the US could help achieve a long-term ceasefire,” he said.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that President Erdoğan has been working actively since the war began. He added that talks in Istanbul on May 16 led to concrete results, including a prisoner swap.

Fidan shared insights from his prior visit to Moscow and said Russia is open to further talks on June 2. He stressed the importance of continuing momentum and involving international actors to build common ground for peace.

Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Gagauz Turkish communities.

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Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen Zone

Türkiye’s Fidan Calls for Leaders’ Summit on Ukraine War