BRUSSELS, March 31 (NNN-XINHUA) — Bulgaria and Romania will join the border-free Schengen area as of Sunday (March 31), the European Commission said.
“The Schengen rules will apply in both Member States including on issuing Schengen visas and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted,” the Commission said in a press release.
The European Council greenlighted at the end of last year the partial entry of the two countries into the Schengen passport-free travel area, which encompasses most European Union countries.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said: “Tomorrow (March 31) marks an important day: Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen family. I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area – the largest area of free movement in the world. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens.”
The Council will need to take a decision to establish a date for the lifting of checks at internal land borders between Bulgaria, Romania and the other Schengen countries, the Commission said.
The Schengen area without control at its internal borders is one of EU citizens’ most cherished achievements. What started as an intergovernmental project between five Member States in 1985 – Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands – has gradually expanded to become what is today the largest area of free movement in the world. Besides facilitating free movement of people without internal border controls, Schengen significantly benefits Europe’s economy.– NNN-XINHUA
