Romania and the Republic of Bulgaria strongly welcome the decision adopted unanimously today, December 12th, by the Justice and Home Affairs Council, on completing the process of full integration of Romania and the Republic of Bulgaria to the Schengen area. It is a historic decision that completes the process of accession of the two countries to the area of free movement within EU, a major objective of both Romania and the Republic of Bulgaria since their accession to the European Union. Through the formal adoption of today’s decision, the 1st of January 2025 is becoming officially the date for the lifting of checks on persons at internal land borders with and between Romania and the Republic of Bulgaria. Romania and the Republic of Bulgaria are expressing their deep satisfaction with regard to this new recognition of their role as consistent contributors to the consolidation of European security, including through an effective and full protection of EU external borders. Furthermore, through this long-awaited decision, the fulfilment by both countries of all Schengen requirements is once more reconfirmed. Moreover, the accession to the free-movement area of both countries brings direct benefits for their citizens, will enhance economic opportunities for their businesses, and will also promote growth within the Single Market. It is a reconfirmation of the values and principles that builds up their citizens’ trust in the European project. From now on, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens are entitled to fully enjoy the benefits of the free movement within the Schengen area. This major positive outcome of the Schengen accession process has been made possible by an extensive work over the past years and through enhanced and consistent bilateral, as well as regional cooperation developed by both countries, with the active support of European institutions. Romania and the Republic of Bulgaria provided, by their consistent contribution, the needed results and guarantees for consolidating the long-term resilience of the EU free-movement area. Romania and the Republic of Bulgaria are expressing their gratitude towards all European partners - EU institutions, Member States, and the current Hungarian as well as previous EU Council Presidencies that supported us along the process. Both countries remain engaged in bringing their substantive contribution to the protection of EU external borders and the consolidation of the European project.
Ion Iliescu, Romania’s first president after the fall of communism in December 1989 and one of the country’s most influential and controversial political figures, died on Tuesday, August 5, at the age of 95. His death was announced by the government, which expressed condolences to his family and stated that details regarding the state funeral […]
A large medieval cemetery was discovered this week at the Hasdeu High School in Lugoj, western Romania. The complex may have extensions into the surrounding yards and a high historical importance. Although the excavations are only just beginning, with an estimated 10% of the necessary work completed so far, the discoveries have already showed promise. […]
A trilateral working meeting for the creation of a regional cybersecurity alliance between Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine took place on July 30 in Chernivtsi, Ukraine. The establishment of such a union would boost Romania's role in region. "The National Cybersecurity Directorate considers that the initiative to establish a cybersecurity coalition between Romania, […]
Two Dacian gold bracelets from the collection of the National History Museum of Romania (MNIR) have been recently 3D scanned as part of a digital preservation project highlighting these exceptional archaeological pieces. The initiative, launched by the museum, aims to showcase the artistry and cultural significance of Dacian goldsmithing. Crafted with remarkable skill, the spiral-shaped […]
Arad, a city in western Romania dubbed the “Little Vienna,” will organize a celebration of its history and culture in the Austrian capital, between August 8 and 20. The Days of Arad Culture begin on August 8 with the photo exhibition "Arad of Yesterday and Today," which will highlight the architectural connection of the city […]
In a report published on Tuesday, August 5, the Group of States against Corruption, or GRECO, said that Romania has fully implemented two of the 26 recommendations made in the 2023 Fifth Round Evaluation Report on preventing corruption and promoting integrity among top executive functions of the central government and law enforcement. Out of the […]
