On 12 December 2024, the Council of the European Union agreed to allow Bulgaria and Romania to become full members of the Schengen Area as of 1 January 2025. As a result, border checks will be removed for those travelling between other Schengen countries and Bulgaria and Romania.
Since 1 April 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have been partially integrated into the Schengen Area, with border checks being retained only at their land borders. Following the decision by member states in the Council of the European Union, these border checks will gradually be removed from 1 January 2025. This step is following initial proposals from the European Commission that from 2011 and is a significant milestone, highlighting a shared commitment to deeper European integration.
Border with Greece
From 1 January 2025, all land border checks with Greece will be removed. Travellers will enjoy free passage, with only occasional ad hoc checks.
Border with Austria and Hungary
A transition period will apply for the first 6 months of 2025. While most checks will be eased, some will remain in place as part of an agreement with Austria. This compromise means there will be partial controls between Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary during the initial transition period.
Given the recent temporary reintroduction of border controls by some member states, including Germany and the Netherlands, it is possible that the transition period could be extended beyond the initial 6 months.
Seamless mobility
Internal border checks will be completely eliminated, enabling unrestricted travel for citizens, residents, and visitors across the Schengen member states.
Economic advantages
Bulgarian and Romanian businesses will benefit from faster goods transportation, optimized logistics, and reduced operational costs, boosting their competitiveness in the European markets.
Stronger EU alignment
The decision reinforces both countries’ commitment to meeting the European standards, paving the way for more extensive cooperation within the EU.
This decision is more than a procedural milestone—it represents a crucial step towards greater unity and integration within the EU. By becoming full members of the Schengen Area, Bulgaria and Romania are not only strengthening their ties with Europe but also unlocking new opportunities for growth, mobility, and collaboration.
Vialto Partners will continue to monitor developments.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Mina Kapsazova
Director
Ekaterina Arnaudova
Manager
Irina Alexandra Marinescu
Managing Director
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
©2024 Vialto Partners. All Rights Reserved.