It's official, Romania and Bulgaria are now an integral part of the Schengen area. After more than a decade of waiting, the two Eastern European countries can finally take full advantage of free movement. What will be the consequences of this long-awaited integration?
This is a historic moment for Europe. After 13 long years spent in the antechamber, Romania and Bulgaria finally became, this Wednesday, December 31, 2024, full members of the Schengen area. A strong symbol for these two Eastern European countries which now benefit from free movement, both on the road and in the air.
A long road to Schengen
Romania and Bulgaria's journey towards full integration into the Schengen area has not been easy. Although meeting the technical criteria since 2011, the two countries have encountered reluctance from certain member states for many years, as analyst Valentin Naumescu points out:
Each time, Member States raised objections. This problem has become a source of frustration exploited by anti-EU parties over the years.
But at the end of 2024, Romanian and Bulgarian leaders can finally rejoice. For Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, it is even a question of “greatest success” of the past year.
The lifting of the Austrian veto
This full membership would not have been possible without the lifting of Austria's veto. Long resistant to an enlargement of the Schengen area, fearing an influx of asylum seekers, Vienna finally accepted last spring the partial entry of Romania and Bulgaria. A road map was then established with a view to possible expansion.
According to sources close to the matter, the measures put in place in recent months by the Romanian and Bulgarian authorities would have made it possible “a massive reduction in passages” illegal at the borders. A weighty argument which ultimately convinced Austria to lift its veto.
Significant economic benefits expected
Beyond the symbolic significance, the entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area should also have significant economic repercussions. According to estimates, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the two countries could increase by at least 1% thanks to this integration.
Road carriers are among the first to rejoice. No more endless border checks which could last up to 20 hours. “It was a complete waste of time for the drivers who couldn't even rest because they had to move their vehicles every 10 minutes”remembers Beniamin Lucescu, president of a Transport Federation in Romania.
The tourism sector also hopes to benefit from this new situation, in particular for trips to neighboring Greece. Now it will only take a little over four hours to reach Thessaloniki from Sofia. A significant saving of time.
Infrastructural challenges to overcome
Although membership in the Schengen area opens up new perspectives, certain challenges remain to be met, particularly in terms of infrastructure. This is particularly true in Bulgaria where poor road conditions and a lack of modern rail connections could limit profits in the short term.
Substantial investments will therefore have to be made in the years to come so that Romania and Bulgaria can take full advantage of their new status within the Schengen area. A major but necessary challenge for these two countries which aspire to play an ever more important role at the heart of Europe.
An expanding area of free movement
With the arrival of Romania and Bulgaria, the Schengen area is expanding and now includes 25 of the 27 member countries of the European Union, as well as four associated countries:
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Le Liechtenstein
In total, more than 400 million people can in principle move freely, without being subject to internal border controls. An impressive figure which testifies to the success of this unique space in the world.
Towards an ever more integrated Europe
The accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area marks a new stage in European construction. It illustrates the desire of Member States to continually strengthen their cooperation and to gradually eliminate barriers which may still hinder the free movement of people and goods.
Next step: the adoption of the euro by these two countries. If Bulgaria is already engaged in this process, with accession planned for 2023 at the earliest, Romania will have to wait a few more years. But there is no doubt that in the long term, Bucharest and Sofia will end up fully integrating all layers of the European project.
In the meantime, Romanians and Bulgarians can already enjoy their new status as full members of the Schengen area. A great victory for these two nations which, since their accession to the EU in 2007, have continued to demonstrate their attachment to European values. A strong symbol at the end of 2024, which opens the way to new perspectives for the future of Europe.
