The European council has made approving a landmark unanimous decision on Dec 31, 2023, to welcome Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, starting with lifting controls at air and sea borders, under the ninth enlargement plan of “Schengen acquis”. As of March 2024, citizens of Romania and Bulgaris will be able to freely cross internal sea and air borders, without border controls.Â
This landmark Council decision comes after 13 years of deadlock and is the result of political commitment and determination.
Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs
“Discussions on a date for a possible lifting of the checks on persons at internal land borders will continue in 2024 and a decision by the Council on this matter is expected to be taken within a reasonable time frame.” said the European commission in a press release.
The EU will be assisting Bulgaria and Romania in protecting the external borders of the Union, substantial financial support and Frontex assistance. The Schengen borders code also stipulates that member states can introduce “temporary border controls” to respond to a serious threat to public policy or internal security.
Schengen – A Greatest Achievement
Europe’s Schengen area of free movement is one of its greatest achievements and one that EU citizens cherish most. Today, the Schengen area covers over 4 million square kilometres with a population of almost 420 million people, and includes 27 countries. With the expansion, the new Schengen area will be made up of 29 states.
Croatia
Croatia joined Schengen in Jan 1, 2023 adopting the Euro fully implementing acquis rules.
Ireland
Ireland being the only EU country, has opted-out of the schengen area by not participating in the EU policy. Example of opt-out include.
- Schengen Agreement: Ireland;
- economic and monetary union: Denmark;
- Defence: Denmark;
- EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: Poland;
- Freedom, security and justice: Denmark and Ireland (the latter may opt into given initiatives if it wishes).
ETIAS
The ETIAS electronic travel authorization will be implemented by authorities on all visa waiver countries in mid 2025. About 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries, inclusive of US, Canada, UK will be required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.
Cyprus
Cyprus is not yet part of the Schengen area. Cyprus reiterated its commitment, once an evaluation has been concluded, to undergo regular further Schengen evaluations in meeting all the conditions of the Schengen acquis ,made applicable by the Council.
Millions of travellers cross schengen borders, EU is the most welcoming destination in the world. In 2022, 65% of world’s tourists who travelled internationally came to Europe, making Schengen the most attractive and visited area in the world. Every day around 3.5 million people cross internal borders for work or study or to visit families and friends, and almost 1.7 million people reside in one Schengen country while working in another. Europeans make an estimated 1.25 billion journeys within the Schengen area every year, which also greatly benefits the tourism and cultural sector.
Romania and Bulgaria’s accession will make Schengen stronger
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life
