EU: Bulgaria and Romania to Join Schengen Area Starting with Air and Sea Borders

European Union member states on Saturday reached an agreement on removing air and maritime internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania, according to an announcement of the Council of the EU.

The decision, which welcomes the two countries into the Schengen area, has been taken by unanimity, following a written procedure.

From 31 March 2024, there will no longer be checks on persons at EU internal air and maritime borders between Bulgaria and Romania and the other countries in the Schengen area. This date corresponds with the change of the winter/summer schedule for slot allocation at airports set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Photo source: European Commission

Following this first step, a further decision should be taken by the Council to establish a date for the lifting of checks at internal land borders.

The accession of the two countries into the Schengen area is expected to boost travel, trade and tourism and will further consolidate the internal market.

According to the European Commission, an enlarged Schengen area will make the EU stronger as a Union, internally and on the global stage.

“This is a major step forward for both countries and for the Schengen area as a whole,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Europe’s Schengen area of free movement comprises 27 countries and extends over 4 million square kilometers with a population of almost 420 million people. With Romania and Bulgaria, the Schengen area will grow to 4.5 million square kilometers with a population of 450 million.

Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs, said the “landmark” Council decision comes after 13 years of deadlock and is the result of political commitment and determination.

“It is a crucial step forward that will allow citizens and businesses to benefit fully their rights to free movement, by air and sea. I am confident that next year the Council will equally be in a position to decide on the lifting of controls at the land borders,” Johansson said.

16 November 2022 – Archive photo of European Commission Chief Spokesperson Eric Mamer and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson giving a press conference on the readiness of Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia to fully participate in the Schengen area. Photo source: European Commission / Photographer: Alicia Perdu

The Commission had first confirmed that both Bulgaria and Romania were ready to become part of the Schengen area without internal border controls in 2011. Since then, Bulgaria and Romania have continued to demonstrate that they fulfil the conditions for becoming Schengen members. This was reconfirmed by three fact finding missions at the Bulgarian and Romanian external borders in 2022 and 2023.

The Commission also launched pilot projects with Romania and Bulgaria in March 2023 to boost external border management, reinforce cooperation with neighbouring countries and ensure fast asylum and return procedures.