Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Council of the EU agrees to remove air and maritime internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania

Photo: archive

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.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Eurobarometer: The majority of Bulgarians are optimistic about their future in the EU

The majority of Bulgarians are optimistic about the EU. They expect the community to ensure peace first and foremost. This is according to Eurobarometer data presented by the European Commission, as reported by BTA. 63% of Bulgarians support the..

published on 5/28/25 1:41 PM
Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov

The state will continue to regulate electricity price for household consumers, energy minister says

Household consumers will remain on the regulated electricity market for an unlimited period, said Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov at a briefing at the Council of Ministers. The day and the night rates, which are important to the most vulnerable..

published on 5/28/25 1:17 PM

After Ljubco Georgievski Macedonian prosecutor’s office goes after another Bulgarian - Drago Karov

Vazrazhdane party is demanding, in a declaration, a reaction by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Drago Karov and the protection of Bulgarians in North Macedonia. The declaration was read out in parliament by the chairman of Vazrazhdane..

published on 5/28/25 11:58 AM