Romania, a full member state in Schengen

The interior ministers of the EU countries, meeting yesterday in the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council, decided to lift controls on persons at internal land borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania, starting with 1 January 2025, the Council of the European Union announced.

Sandor Pinter, the relevant minister of Hungary, the country holding the EU presidency, was quoted by Agerpres as saying: "It is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania as full members of the Schengen area. The elimination of controls on persons at internal land borders with and between these member states was an absolute priority for the Hungarian presidency, and today we have made it a reality. This step will be beneficial not only for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, but also for the EU as a whole".

The European Commission welcomed the Council's decision, saying: "This important step completes the full entry of both countries into the Schengen Area, which not only strengthens the Schengen Area, but will further consolidate the internal market, increase travel, trade and tourism. A strong Schengen Area strengthens the unity of the EU and makes the EU stronger on a global scale. As of 1 January 2025, citizens can travel without land border controls to and between Bulgaria and Romania." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the two countries' full membership of the European area of free movement, saying in a post on the X network: "Fully in Schengen, where you belong."

The European Commission recalled that, since last December, when the Council decided to welcome Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, both Member States have taken all necessary measures to ensure the proper application of the Schengen rules as of 31 March 2024. "On that date, controls at internal air and sea borders were lifted and the Schengen rules started to apply, including as regards the issuance of Schengen visas," the Commission stated, concluding: "Ensuring smooth and safe travel in a region with a population of almost 450 million people, the Schengen Area is essential for the European Union, its citizens and its companies. With Bulgaria and Romania now fully part of the Schengen Area, we are taking another crucial step towards building a strong and connected Union."

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, also welcomed the decision to join Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen area, stating: "Congratulations to the peoples of the two countries who have worked hard and long for this. A stronger Schengen means a safer and more united Europe".

• Klaus Iohannis: "Full membership in the Schengen area strengthens Romania's strategic position"

Full membership in the Schengen area strengthens Romania's strategic position as a gateway between Eastern and Western Europe, said President Klaus Iohannis yesterday, noting that, in this process, our country has faced obstacles, having been "technically prepared for a long time" for full accession to the European free movement area.

Iohannis said that he had been "personally" involved in "countless discussions" on this issue, adding: "The Council's decision is a clear confirmation of a reality - Romania's place is in the Schengen area based on our performance and commitment. Joining the Schengen area is a natural and necessary step in consolidating Romania's status as a full member of the European Union. The advantages of our membership of the common area of free movement are multiple and have a direct impact on citizens, the economy and the external image of our country".

At the same time, Iohannis stated that the elimination of internal border controls means faster and simpler movement for those who travel, the time spent at the borders will be considerably reduced, and logistics costs for companies will decrease, which will rapidly increase the competitiveness of Romanian products and services on the European market. At the same time, according to the president, Romania's attractiveness for foreign investors will increase considerably, who will see a commercial advantage in our country's increased connectivity.

In this new context, the president added, Romania will continue to act responsibly to protect and strengthen the Union's external borders, including for the efficient management of illegal migration.

• Marcel Ciolacu: "Full Schengen membership, a victory for justice and national dignity"

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu declared that Romania's membership as a full member of the Schengen area represents "a historic decision".

The Prime Minister said: "It is a historic decision that was taken in the JHA Council meeting in Brussels. This is, in fact, a victory for justice and national dignity and a clear signal that we will never accept being second-class citizens in Europe. It is - above all - a triumph of all Romanians, regardless of their political option or social situation. It is a victory of teamwork, for the good of Romania, because opinion leaders from home and abroad, public figures, ordinary people, along with ministers, diplomats, MEPs and technicians from dozens of institutions contributed to this moment. For Romanian companies doing business with partners in European states, the elimination of border controls will facilitate trade and reduce logistics costs. This means that Romanian goods will become more competitive, which will stimulate the economy and create new business opportunities and jobs".

• Luminiţa Odobescu: "Romania's full accession to Schengen - a decision for the benefit of citizens and the economy"

Romania's full accession to the Schengen area is "a long-awaited decision for the benefit of citizens and the economy", stated yesterday, on the X platform, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminiţa Odobescu, adding: "Romania is a full Schengen member! Land border controls will be lifted starting January 1, 2025 - a long-awaited decision for the benefit of Romania's citizens and economy. Romania's long-term efforts have been recognized and rewarded".

• Nicolae Ciucă: "Romania's accession to Schengen - a victory for the entire nation"

The President of the Senate, Nicolae Ciucă, declared that Romania's entry into the Schengen area is a victory for the entire nation and is a moment that reflects the "maturity and determination" of our country to consolidate its place in Europe.

Nicolae Ciucă said on Facebook: "Today is a historic day for Romania! After years of sustained efforts and intense negotiations, our country has officially entered the Schengen area. It is a victory for the entire nation, but also a moment that reflects Romania's maturity and determination to consolidate its place in Europe. Joining Schengen is not only a diplomatic success, but also a concrete achievement with a direct impact on every Romanian. Freedom of movement, facilitating trade, strengthening the economy and eliminating border controls are just some of the benefits that will bring changes to our daily lives."

• Grindeanu: "Border waiting times will be reduced by approximately 30 minutes for each train"

Border waiting times will be reduced by approximately 30 minutes for each train, following full entry into the Schengen area from January 1, 2025, and road hauliers will transit the borders with EU states much faster, announced yesterday the Minister of Transport, Sorin Grindeanu.

He wrote on his Facebook page: "It's official! From January 1, 2025 we are full members of the Schengen Area, including land borders. From January 1, 2025, for rail transport, full entry into the Schengen area means the elimination of border control. Thus, border waiting times will be reduced by approximately 30 minutes for each train, at the customs points at: Curtici; Valea lui Mihai; Salonta; Episcopia Bihor; Carei.

For road freight transport, Schengen accession translates into the elimination of systematic border controls with neighboring EU member states, Hungary and Bulgaria, so that road carriers will transit the borders with EU states much more quickly: Vama Veche, Negru Vodă, Giurgiu, Călăraşi, Zimnicea, Turnu Măgurele, Bechet, Calafat, Nădlac 1 and 2, Vârşand, Borş 1 and 2 and Petea.

• Angel Tîlvăr: "The decision for Romania to become a full member of Schengen is crucial"

The decision for Romania to become a full member of Schengen is a "crucial" one and contributes to strengthening security on NATO's Eastern Flank, said Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr. He wrote on the X platform: "It is a historic day for Romania! The decision of the JHA Council to grant us the status of full Schengen members is crucial. This milestone boosts military mobility, allows for the faster transfer of troops and equipment on the Eastern Flank, strengthening security in the region."

• Boloş: "Romania's entry into Schengen changes the rules of the game for our economy"

Romania's entry into Schengen represents a moment that changes the rules of the game for our economy, Finance Minister Marcel Boloş said yesterday on Facebook. He said: "The elimination of land borders is not just an administrative formality. It is a moment that changes the rules of the game for our economy. Why? Every hour lost at the border represents additional costs. With the elimination of controls, carriers will save millions of euros annually, and Romanian products will reach European shelves faster and at lower costs. Simply put, Romania becomes more competitive in an extremely dynamic European market. For companies, the message is clear: Romania is now a strategic point in European supply chains. Companies that have hesitated to invest here until now will see this change as a strong signal of stability and openness".

According to the Minister of Finance, border regions are becoming true economic hubs, and without bureaucratic controls, local trade will increase, and cross-border collaborations will generate jobs and economic growth.

"Entering Schengen is not just a diplomatic success - it is a real opportunity: more prosperous businesses, more jobs, more investments. From now on, Romania can play in the first league of economic Europe. Schengen means speed, efficiency and the chance to make our voice heard in a Europe without borders. Congratulations and thanks to all those who made this possible!", concluded Minister Boloş.

• Alina Gorghiu: "Romania is in Schengen with full rights - this is what happens when you have a pro-European political class"

The Minister of Justice, Alina Gorghiu, welcomed Romania's full entry into the Schengen area, stating that "this is what happens when you have a pro-European political class, you achieve your strategic objectives".

The Minister wrote on Facebook: ""Romania is in Schengen with full rights. We have worked hard, we have waited a long time. But we are here, after a great effort by the country! And I wish we could enjoy this achievement! The Justice and Home Affairs Council voted, and as of January 1, 2025, in a few days, Romania will become a full member of the Schengen area. Romanians deserve this moment. Romania will experience economic growth, and citizens will be able to travel more easily in Europe. The EU will be stronger with Romania in Schengen. Our country has proven, in all the multiple crises we have faced, that it is a reliable partner".

• Ilie Bolojan: "The decision to fully join Romania in Schengen is a success of the Romanians"

The interim president of the PNL, Ilie Bolojan, declared that the decision to fully join Romania in Schengen is a success of the Romanians and represents proof that when governments, ministers and civil servants work together and do what is right, things turn out well. He wrote on Facebook: "Romania fully joins Schengen, starting with January 1, 2025! Today's decision by the Council of Interior Ministers of the European Union consecrates an important moment for Romanians. Schengen means respect and equality for Romanian citizens, and for companies, less time wasted and more money saved. We will no longer wait at the border, and truck queues will be a memory. It is a success of us, of the Romanians. It is also proof that when governments, ministers and civil servants work together and do the right thing, things turn out well."

• Lasconi: "Membership in the Schengen area, a gesture of justice for Romanians"

Our country's membership in the Schengen area represents "a gesture of justice" for Romanians, said the president of the Save Romania Union (USR), Elena Lasconi.

The USR leader wrote on Facebook: "Romania has fulfilled the technical conditions for 12 years to enter Schengen! Today's vote is a gesture of justice for Romanians".

• Simion: "Membership in Schengen is not a favor, but a right"

The president of the AUR, George Simion, declared that Romania's full membership in the Schengen area does not represent a favor, but "a right that Romanians had from the moment of joining the European Union". He told Agerpres: "What was decided today (ed. yesterday) does not represent a favor, but a right that Romanians had from the moment of joining the European Union. After the humiliation of the hybrid Schengen at the beginning of this year, the long series of humiliations to which we have been subjected as a state ends (finally) (...). Although Romania has met all the technical conditions for more than 13 years, the politicians and institutions of the Romanian state have demonstrated a chronic inability to defend national interests. Today we are not talking about a victory, but about the repeated failure of the rulers who have come to power in the last 35 years. Romania under the Ciolacu government manages something unique: to join the Schengen area twice! We have not joined for 13 years, since we have met all the criteria, but in the course of only nine months we have joined twice. It would be laughable, if it were not to be mourned (...). Joining the Schengen area was blocked by external factors that speculated on our diplomatic weaknesses, but also by the inability of our leaders to impose a firm and coherent position. Over the past decades, successive governments have not been able to transform Romania into a respected partner, but rather into a country perceived as a subordinate that accepts any compromise".