Bulgaria And Romania Join The Schengen Area

Bulgaria and Romania have become full members of the Schengen area of free movement as of January 1, 2025, after a thirteen-year wait. The accession was made possible after Austria dropped its veto in December, allowing the two countries to join the passport-free area. Controls have been lifted at airports and seaports since March 2024, and now land borders are also free of controls, although temporary controls will continue for six months. The border between Bulgaria and Turkey is set to be reinforced, and temporary controls will be in place for a limited time. The Schengen Area has expanded, but temporary controls have been reintroduced along several internal borders, including Germany's borders with its nine neighboring countries. The European Commission allows members to introduce temporary border controls in the event of a serious threat to public policy or internal security, but these must be applied as a last resort and for a limited time. The introduction of border checks has sparked backlash from groups such as the student organization AEGEE, which argues that it could foster suspicion and lead to discrimination. The Schengen area was created in 1995, and it guarantees its member states enhanced protection at external borders and free movement of people. The area now includes 25 of the 27 EU Member States, as well as four non-EU Member States, and its expansion aims to promote cooperation and security among its members. The Schengen agreement has undergone changes over the years, with countries joining and introducing temporary controls to address security concerns and other issues.