If road checks between Romania and Hungary are lifted, very long queues at border crossings will disappear.Continue reading
The EU’s decision to abolish internal land border checks for Bulgaria and Romania, effective from January 1, 2025, marks a historic milestone in the expansion of the Schengen area.
The decision, unanimously adopted by the EU Home Affairs Council, concludes Bulgaria and Romania’s prolonged wait to join the Schengen area. Sándor Pintér, Hungary’s interior minister and current president of the Home Affairs Council, described it as a “historic moment” and emphasized its broader significance.
A top priority of the Hungarian Presidency was the lifting of checks on persons at internal land borders with and between these member states, and we have achieved this today,” Minister Pintér said.
His sentiments were echoed by Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who noted the benefits for Hungary, including economic boosts and smoother travel. “Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen area on January 1. This decision also serves Hungarian national interests,” Mr. Szijjártó remarked, highlighting new border crossings and shorter truck waiting times.
The Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council played a pivotal role in advancing Schengen enlargement, working to resolve the “long-standing brass tacks” of this process before the year’s end.
Both Hungarian officials underscored the alignment of this decision with Hungary’s strategic interests, particularly given Romania’s status as one of Hungary’s key export markets.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen accession a “fantastic success” and an important step for Hungarian national unity, especially for Hungarians in Transylvania. He praised Interior Minister Sándor Pintér and European Affairs Minister János Bóka for their roles in the achievement, noting the diplomatic challenge overcome.
PM Orbán highlighted the benefits for both Hungary and Romania, including smoother travel and reduced border security efforts.
The breakthrough was facilitated by pilot measures on asylum and return procedures implemented by Bulgaria and Romania under EU guidance earlier this year. These efforts demonstrated their readiness to secure the EU’s external borders while addressing migration challenges, ensuring the conditions for Schengen accession were met.
Romania thanks all EU institutions & member states for their support and trust. Today’s decision is a recognition of our years-long efforts and progress achieved. RO assures that we will continue to act fully responsible for protecting & strengthening EU’s external borders.
— Klaus Iohannis (@KlausIohannis) December 12, 2024
Romanian leaders celebrated the decision as a triumph of justice and a turning point for their nation. President Klaus Iohannis hailed the accession as a strategic milestone, stating,
Romania is and will remain a pro-European country.”
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called it “a victory for justice and national dignity” and emphasized the economic benefits, including reduced logistics costs and enhanced competitiveness of Romanian goods. Ciolacu had earlier thanked a number of countries, among them Hungary, for its crucial role in breaking down the barriers, President Klaus Iohannis, however, did not deem it necessary to highlight its northern neighbor’s role in the deal.
For the Hungarian minority in Transylvania, the decision carries particular significance. Hunor Kelemen, president of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), welcomed the elimination of border controls, stating,
this is good for trade, good for the economy, and good for us Hungarians in Transylvania, as we can travel to Hungary and visit friends and relatives without stopping at the border.”
The full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area reflects their strategic importance to the EU while fostering stronger ties within Europe.
Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Bodnár Boglárka