Joint communiqué of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Romania and the Republic of Bulgaria

    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.