Romania to Join Schengen Zone from January 2025

The news in Romanian

Translation

Romania will become a member of the Schengen Area on 1st January 2025. This will allow Romanian citizens to travel freely across Europe without border checks. Romanian leaders have welcomed this decision, calling it a major success. Schengen is significant for travel and business, and promises more investments and tourism.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: When will Romania become a member of the Schengen Zone?

Romania will become a member on January 1, 2025.

Question 2: What are some benefits for Romania joining the Schengen Zone?

Benefits include free travel for Romanian citizens in Europe, more investments, and increased tourism.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌13/12/2024

Romania is set to become a full member of the Schengen Zone, effective 1 January 2025, following a pivotal decision by the European Union's Justice and Home Affairs Council. This move has been widely celebrated as a significant achievement for the country, removing longstanding restrictions for Romanians at terrestrial borders.

The announcement was met with enthusiasm by Romanian leaders. President Klaus Iohannis called it a "long-awaited decision," praising the persistent diplomatic efforts that enabled this outcome. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu described the event as a "victory for justice and national dignity," emphasizing the collaborative efforts of public figures, diplomats, and ordinary citizens whose contributions were crucial in securing this milestone.

The Schengen Zone, regarded as a major integration framework within the EU, allows over 400 million individuals to travel freely across member state borders without additional checks. Romania's inclusion means it will enjoy seamless terrestrial travel, which was previously restricted, a change expected to greatly benefit both Romanian citizens and businesses. Companies engaged in cross-border trade will particularly benefit from the removal of time-consuming border checks, which have reportedly cost the economy billions annually.

Notably, the initial phase post-integration will maintain some controls at terrestrial borders with Hungary and Bulgaria for at least six months. This precaution aims at addressing potential security concerns and managing migration patterns effectively.

Romania to Join Schengen Zone from January 2025 (Illustration)

The integration into the Schengen Zone also reflects a wider enhancement of Romania's international standing and is poised to attract increased foreign investments, foster trade, and boost tourism. The decision to admit Romania and Bulgaria came after Austria and the Netherlands, previously against the bid, withdrew their objections, acknowledging the countries' adherence to Schengen criteria.

Romania had already been part of the Schengen maritime and airspace since March 2024. The planned inclusion of its terrestrial borders marks the completion of its accession to the Schengen Area, aligning Romania fully with the continental objective of unencumbered travel and commerce among its member nations.

The Schengen Area, one of the European Union's hallmark achievements, comprises 27 countries that have abolished border controls to facilitate the free movement of people, thus integrating member countries under a singular external border control regime.

The upcoming integration of Romania and Bulgaria underscores the EU's commitment to expanding and strengthening the Schengen Space, promoting a connected and cooperative Europe.

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