BUDAPEST, Hungary – Bulgaria and Romania have officially entered the Schengen Area, marking a significant milestone in their European Union journey. Celebratory ceremonies were held just before midnight on Tuesday, as land border controls were lifted, granting citizens seamless travel within the world's largest free movement zone.

The removal of land border checks, which followed the lifting of air and sea border controls in March, signifies the culmination of years of negotiations and efforts to meet the stringent criteria for Schengen membership. This expansion of the Schengen Area, now encompassing 29 countries, is poised to boost economic activity, enhance cultural exchange, and strengthen regional ties.

At the Ruse-Giurgiu border crossing, a symbolic meeting between Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers took place, underscoring the cooperation and mutual trust that underpin the Schengen agreement. Similar scenes unfolded at the Hungarian-Romanian border, where police chiefs from both nations convened to mark the occasion.

Hungary, which held the EU's rotating presidency, played a pivotal role in facilitating this expansion. The move is particularly significant for the approximately one million ethnic Hungarians residing in Romania's Transylvania region, promising to ease travel and foster closer connections.

The Schengen Area, established in 1985, stands as a testament to European integration. However, recent years have seen some member states reinstate temporary border controls in response to security and migration challenges. Despite these concerns, the expansion to include Bulgaria and Romania reaffirms the EU's commitment to the principles of free movement.

Economic analysts predict substantial benefits for both Bulgaria and Romania. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the positive impact on trade and investment, while Bulgarian economists estimate an annual economic boost of €800 million.

This landmark decision not only facilitates travel for millions of Europeans but also reinforces the Schengen Area's role as a cornerstone of European unity and cooperation.