Romania and Bulgaria are now full members of the EU’s border-free Schengen area. They scrapped land border controls at midnight on Wednesday, marking this milestone with celebrations at border posts.
“Welcome to Schengen, Bulgaria and Romania!” the European Parliament announced on X. “No more checks at land borders between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries.”
At midnight, Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically raised the barrier on the Danube Bridge. This bridge, also known as the Friendship Bridge, connects the two countries and is vital for international trade. Fireworks lit up the sky near Ruse, a Bulgarian town where the bridge enters the country.
Earlier this year, both countries partially joined Schengen by lifting air and sea travel checks. However, discussions over land border controls continued.
Last month, Austria removed its veto, which had delayed full membership due to concerns about irregular migration.
The European Commission praised the expansion, stating it strengthens the EU both internally and globally. This historic step marks a new chapter for Bulgaria, Romania, and the Schengen area.
