The full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen has been approved.

The European Union has approved the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen by land starting from January 1, 2025.

According to a post on the social media account of Hungary, the current Presidency of the EU, the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER), composed of ambassadors from member states, convened. The post stated that during the meeting, the ambassadors approved Bulgaria and Romania's accession to Schengen by land starting from January 1, and that this decision is "a gain for the countries in question and for Europe."

BULGARIA AND ROMANIA ARE NOW FULL MEMBERS OF SCHENGEN

The post indicated that the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen by land is "the most important priority" of Hungary's presidency, stating, "With the decision we made today, we have taken the final preparatory step to make this a reality. With this decision, we will strengthen unity, free movement, and resilience across the EU." The post also mentioned that the final decision is expected to be made at the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council to be held in Brussels on December 12.

Ylva Johansson, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, congratulated Bulgaria and Romania on the decision in a post on X, stating, "You have been waiting for a very long time. You belong to Schengen, and you should fully enjoy the freedoms of Schengen." Johansson noted that the decision from COREPER paves the way for the full accession of the two countries to Schengen starting from January 1.

PROCESS

Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the EU in 2007, gained the right to free movement by air and sea in the Schengen visa-free travel area on March 31. Austria has long opposed the inclusion of the two countries in Schengen due to concerns that irregular migration could increase. After Austria lifted its objection, the barrier to the two countries gaining the right to free movement by land was removed.