For Bulgaria, 2024 marked the beginning of a new era: on December 12, the EU Council of Interior Ministers made the final decision on the country's accession to the Schengen area.
Starting from January 1, 2025, Bulgaria will be able to fully integrate into the land Schengen, which will end many years of waiting and negotiations.
What will change for Bulgaria?
Joining the Schengen area opens the door to new opportunities:
- More freedom at borders. No queues at the border points between Romania and Greece. Residents and visitors of the country will be able to cross borders without unnecessary checks.
- Reduction of transportation costs. Trucks carrying goods will no longer be idle at the borders. This will speed up logistics, which will reduce the cost of transportation.
- Convenience for tourists. It will become easier for tourists to get to the resorts of Bulgaria — and vice versa, Bulgarian travelers will have even more convenient routes across Europe. Imagine how easy it is now to arrange a trip by car or bus through the Balkans!
- Economic development. The free flow of goods, services, and travelers will give a powerful impetus to the development of local businesses in the fields of trade and tourism.
Now, going to a neighboring country for the weekend will become as easy as a trip to another city. Traveling in Europe will not be burdened with bureaucratic formalities.
Steps towards full Schengen membership
European Commissioner Ylva Johansson stressed that Bulgaria and Romania fully comply with the requirements of the Schengen area. Bulgaria and Romania have already entered the Schengen air and water zone last year after 10 years of waiting. Now, from January 1, 2025, they will become full members of the land Schengen.
Previously, their path was blocked by Austria and the Netherlands. However, the situation has changed after the adoption of measures to strengthen control at the external borders of the EU. The support of European partners, Hungary and Germany, played a key role in the countries joining the land-based Schengen. At the talks in Budapest, it was agreed to create an international contingent for border protection, which helped to soften Austria's position. These steps confirm the willingness of both countries to comply with the Schengen standards.
Are you preparing to travel or move to Bulgaria?
Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area opens up incredible opportunities:
- Convenient travel in Europe without borders and checks.
- Fast logistics for cargo and reduced transportation costs.
- Economic growth, new investments and comfortable business conditions.
Contact us to find out about the best real estate offers and opportunities for living in Bulgaria. Take advantage of the new status of the country in the Schengen area now!
