Romania and Bulgaria are set to fully integrate into Europe’s open-border Schengen area by January 2025, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced on Monday following a key meeting in Hungary last Friday.

According to Reuters, Romania and Bulgaria, both members of the European Union and NATO, partially joined the 29-nation Schengen zone in March 2024, with access granted by air and sea. This came after negotiations with Austria, which had initially opposed their inclusion, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the need for stronger border controls.

Negotiations for full land entry have been ongoing and are expected to conclude soon.

Hungary hosted a meeting on Friday involving Austrian, Romanian, and Bulgarian interior ministers to finalize the agreement. Prime Minister Ciolacu also participated, emphasizing the meeting’s importance.

“The meeting on Friday is very important, that is why I agreed with Hungary’s prime minister I will go to Hungary … on the day interior ministers get together to close the final document,” Ciolacu told private television channel Antena3.
The Romanian PM met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Sunday and thanked her “determination and energy to supporting without any further delay Romania’s full accession to the #Schengen area,” in a post on X.

Approval from the Dutch parliament, which had previously objected to Bulgaria’s entry, is still required. However, Ciolacu expressed confidence, stating, “we already have an agreed calendar. It will happen from Jan. 1, 2025. Those who come home for the holidays will leave much easier after.”

Although Ciolacu did not specifically address Bulgaria, their accession is widely regarded as part of a package deal. Both nations play a significant role in key transit routes for illegal arms, drugs, and human trafficking, but the European Commission has confirmed they meet all Schengen requirements.

Romania’s finance ministry estimates that joining the Schengen area could boost the country’s annual economic growth by 0.5%.

Romania will hold the first round of its presidential election on Sunday, with Ciolacu expected to lead. If necessary, a runoff election will take place on December 8.