The EU Council has reached an agreement to lift internal air and sea borders with Bulgaria and Romania. This information was reported by the press service.
The decision was unanimously adopted after a written procedure. Its practical implementation will begin on March 31 – from this time onwards, individuals crossing air and sea borders between Bulgaria and Romania and other Schengen Zone member countries will no longer undergo control.
The date, March 31, is associated with the change in the winter and summer schedule determined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
"This is a day of great pride for Bulgaria and Romania. The decision to abolish air and sea border checks is a significant milestone for these countries and for the Schengen Zone. Both countries have worked hard for this and deserve it," commented Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.
The next expected step for both countries is the removal of controls at land borders with Schengen Zone countries.
It is worth noting that since joining the EU, Bulgaria and Romania have adopted part of the legislation applicable in the Schengen Zone, known as the Schengen acquis, including provisions related to the protection of external borders, cooperation of law enforcement agencies, and the use of the Schengen Information System. However, due to reservations from some countries, the recognition of the fulfillment of the remaining criteria has been delayed for 12 years.
