Schengen: The Barrier Lifts on January 1st

We are excited to share some good news with you today!

Bulgaria and Romania will become full members of the Schengen Area, following a unanimous decision by the EU member states' interior ministers to admit both countries over land borders as well.

The decision will take effect on January 1, 2025. From that moment, Bulgarians and Romanians will be able to travel freely across the Bulgaria-Greece border. The border control between Bulgaria and Romania will be maintained for six more months but will be significantly relaxed.

In recent years, the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce has consistently advocated for both countries' inclusion in Schengen. This topic was addressed during various forums and high-level political discussions led by the Chamber’s leadership.

This decision is crucial for both business and people. The elimination of borders will reduce waiting times for trucks, lower transportation costs for companies, and boost trade exchanges. Tourism will also benefit greatly.

"As a result, everyone wins – manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. The Schengen Area brings stability and predictability to investors, making Bulgaria and Romania more attractive investment destinations across all sectors of the economy," commented Victor Gugushev, Chairman of the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce.