EU paves way for Bulgaria and Romania to have full access to Schengen area

Originating as an intergovernmental project between five EU member states in 1985, the Schengen area has gradually expanded over seven stages.

Áo thay đổi quan điểm về việc gia nhập khu vực Schengen của Romania. (Nguồn: bulgaria.postsen.com)

EU agrees to lift internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania. (Source: bulgaria.postsen.com)

On December 30, the European Council said that European Union (EU) member states have reached an agreement on removing internal border controls at sea and in the air with Bulgaria and Romania, paving the way for these two countries to have full access to the Schengen area.

The European Council said that starting from 31 March 2024, checks on individuals at the EU's internal sea and air borders between Bulgaria and Romania and other countries in the Schengen area will be lifted.

On the remaining points under the Schengen agreement, which include the removal of internal border controls and related measures, the European Council said it would take a decision according to the existing procedure once the two countries meet the necessary conditions.

Originating as an intergovernmental project between five EU member states in 1985, the Schengen area has gradually expanded over seven stages.

The area currently comprises 27 countries, spanning 4 million square kilometres, with a population of nearly 420 million. If Romania and Bulgaria are included, the Schengen area is expected to grow to 4.5 million square kilometres, with 450 million people.

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