Late last night, the Council of the European Union confirmed that Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen area, starting with air and sea borders. The Commission welcomed the unanimous decision by the Council to welcome Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, starting with lifting controls at air and sea borders as of March 2024.

European Council President Charles Michel wrote on the social network X: “Congratulations to Romania and Bulgaria on the extension of Schengen for maritime and air transport passengers. A long awaited step for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens to enjoy easier freedom of movement with the perspective of land transport to come.”

''Today is a day of great pride for Bulgaria and Romania. The decision to lift internal air and sea border checks with Bulgaria and Romania is a major step forward for them and for the Schengen area. Both have worked hard for it. They both deserve it. They will make Schengen even stronger’’, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Discussions on a date for a possible lifting of the checks on persons at internal land borders will continue in 2024 and a decision by the Council on this matter is expected to be taken within a reasonable time frame, the European Commission wrote. To assist Bulgaria and Romania in protecting the external borders of the Union, substantial financial support and Frontex assistance will continue to be provided, the Commission wrote further.

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