Romania, Bulgaria become full members of Schengen zone – DW – 12/12/2024
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European Union interior ministers have decided to allow the two eastern European countries accession to the Schengen free movement area. Austria, the final hold-out against the move, declined to veto the decision.

Summary

Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen free movement zone on January 1, 2025, following a unanimous decision by EU interior ministers.

The two countries, EU members since 2007, met Schengen requirements in 2010 but faced delays due to migration concerns, particularly from Austria.

Austria dropped its veto after Bulgaria agreed to increase border security with Turkey.

This historic decision integrates Romania and Bulgaria fully into the world’s largest free movement area, which includes most EU nations and several non-EU countries like Switzerland and Norway.