JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA AND ROMANIA
12 December 2024 News
The Republic of Bulgaria and Romania strongly welcome the decision adopted unanimously today, December 12th, by the Justice and Home Affairs Council, on completing the process of full integration of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area. It is a historic decision that completes the process of accession of the two countries to the area of free movement within EU, a major objective of both the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania since their accession to the European Union.
Through the formal adoption of today’s decision, the 1st of January 2025 is becoming officially the date for the lifting of checks on persons at internal land borders with and between the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania.
The Republic of Bulgaria and Romania are expressing their deep satisfaction with regard to this new recognition of their role as consistent contributors to the consolidation of European security, including through an effective and full protection of EU external borders. Furthermore, through this long-awaited decision, the fulfilment by both countries of all Schengen requirements is once more reconfirmed.
Moreover, the accession to the free-movement area of both countries brings direct benefits for their citizens, will enhance economic opportunities for their businesses, and will also promote growth within the Single Market. It is a reconfirmation of the values and principles that builds up their citizens’ trust in the European project. From now on, Bulgarian and Romanian citizens are entitled to fully enjoy the benefits of the free movement within the Schengen area.
This major positive outcome of the Schengen accession process has been made possible by an extensive work over the past years and through enhanced and consistent bilateral, as well as regional cooperation developed by both countries, with the active support of European institutions. The Republic of Bulgaria and Romania provided, by their consistent contribution, the needed results and guarantees for consolidating the long-term resilience of the EU free-movement area.
The Republic of Bulgaria and Romania are expressing their gratitude towards all European partners - EU institutions, Member States, and the current Hungarian as well as previous EU Council Presidencies that supported us along the process. Both countries remain engaged in bringing their substantive contribution to the protection of EU external borders and the consolidation of the European project.