Giant Success for Hungarian EU Presidency: Romania, Bulgaria Join Schengen Area

Today's decision is a milestone not only for the Schengen area, but also for European cohesion. Hungary played a key role in the adoption of the decision.

Romania's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu, European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, Hungary's Interior Minister Sandor Pinter, Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Bulgaria's Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov at a press conference in Budapest on the enlargement of the Schengen area, November 22, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

The run-up to the decision has not been without difficulties. Romania and Bulgaria had fulfilled the technical conditions for accession years ago, yet some member states have until now blocked full integration for political reasons. Hungarian diplomacy played a key role in the breakthrough, successfully mediating between the parties to reach a compromise on the contentious issues.

The Schengen enlargement will also have a positive impact on the economic development of the two countries, as long waiting times at border crossings will be eliminated, which will help boost trade and tourism.

Cover photo: Romania's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu, European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, Hungary's Interior Minister Sandor Pinter, Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Bulgaria's Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov at a press conference in Budapest on the enlargement of the Schengen area, November 22, 2024. (Photo: AFP)