Romanian President Klaus Iohannis Celebrates Romania’s Full Schengen Membership

Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis has expressed his delight over the country’s full accession to the Schengen Zone, hailing it as a significant milestone.

The announcement follows an agreement allowing Romania to achieve full membership in the Schengen Area.

"An important moment today for Romania! The EU ambassadors agreed to full accession to Schengen and with land borders, starting from January 1, 2025," President Iohannis declared.

The pivotal agreement was reached on November 22 during a meeting of interior ministers from Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, under Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. Shortly afterward, Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu confirmed the decision, stating, "Romania would enter the Schengen zone, in terms of land borders, from January 1, 2025."

Implications for Bulgaria and Regional Collaboration

Given that Romania and Bulgaria have pursued Schengen membership as a united package, Romania’s land border accession will extend to Bulgaria as well. This mutual inclusion solidifies the two countries' shared progress toward achieving full integration into the Schengen Area.

Hungary, currently holding the presidency of the EU Council, emphasized the importance of this development. János Bóka, Hungary’s Minister for European Union Affairs, underscored that the accession of Romania and Bulgaria aligns with Hungary’s key priorities.

"The accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Zone, in terms of land borders, would fulfill one of the main priorities of Hungary," Bóka said, adding that he hopes the accession will take effect by January 1, 2025.

Following a November 22 meeting in Budapest, where the interior ministers of Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria assessed their joint efforts against illegal migration, Bóka stated, "There is no obstacle to the full Schengen membership of Romania and Bulgaria."

A Final Vote Approaching

Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, has indicated that a vote on the full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen could take place during the December 12-13 EU Council meeting on Justice and Home Affairs.

The Schengen Area partially admitted Romania and Bulgaria on March 31, 2024, granting access for air and sea borders but excluding land borders. The anticipated vote would formalize their complete membership.

On November 26, a coalition of European Parliament members called for a positive outcome in the December vote. They urged the Justice and Home Affairs Council to finalize the full integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area.

This historic agreement marks a turning point for Romania and Bulgaria as they advance toward complete inclusion in Europe’s border-free zone, fostering enhanced regional cooperation and integration.

By fLEXI tEAM