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Romania and Bulgaria will be fully integrated into the Schengen Area starting 1st of January 2025
We are delighted to announce that Romania and Bulgaria have been granted full membership in the Schengen Area as of 1st of January 2025. This decision was confirmed during the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting held on 12th of December 2024.
Such a development marks a significant milestone, as Romania and Bulgaria will now join other EU Member States in eliminating all border controls, thereby enabling the unrestricted movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the Schengen zone. Previously, they were the only two EU Member States in continental Europe with partial inclusion in the Schengen regime, making this achievement particularly noteworthy.
The journey to full Schengen membership has involved several critical steps. In March 2024, the Council of the EU lifted air and maritime internal border controls with Romania and Bulgaria. Despite the European Commission's consistent support for their full Schengen integration, it is only now that this comprehensive inclusion has been achieved.
This landmark decision represents a crucial advancement for Romania and Bulgaria as they fully integrate into the Schengen Area starting with 1st of January 2025.
We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as necessary.
Prepared by:
- Corina Mîndoiu - Partner, People Advisory Services
- Iulian Pasniciuc - Director, People Advisory Services
- Silvia Sîrbu – Manager, People Advisory Services
For additional information, please contact:
- Alex Milcev - Tax & Law Leader Romania & Moldova