Romania and Bulgaria become full members of Schengen Zone

Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined the Schengen Zone, removing land border controls and granting their citizens the ability to travel without passport checks within the bloc.

According to Reuters, the milestone was celebrated with fireworks at a Bulgarian border crossing. In a symbolic gesture, the interior ministers of both countries opened a barrier on the Friendship Bridge over the Danube River, marking their integration into the passport-free travel area.

The crossing is a key point for international trade transit, further underscoring the significance of the two countries’ Schengen membership.