Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen Area

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced that his country will be included in the Schengen Area as of March 2024.

In a statement on his official social media account, Ciolacu said, "After 13 years, Romania will finally join Schengen. Starting from March of next year, Romanians will benefit from the advantages of the Schengen area by air and sea."

Furthermore, the Prime Minister stated that the importance of the Port of Constanta will increase and expressed his belief that negotiations for land borders will be completed in 2024. It is known that Austria and the Netherlands have opposed the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen due to the flow of illegal immigrants.

The Schengen Area covers a zone that operates in accordance with the Schengen Agreement signed in Luxembourg in 1985 and abolishes passport controls at internal borders. Being included in the Schengen Area provides citizens of these countries with visa exemptions and the opportunity for unrestricted travel.