Bulgaria and Romania canceled border checks with the countries of the European Union and officially became part of the Schengen zone on January 1. This was reported by Euronews on Wednesday, January 1.
At a solemn ceremony held on the bridge over the Danube, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria, Atanas Ilkov, and his Romanian counterpart, Ketelin Predoyu, symbolically inaugurated a new era of free movement for their countries. Now 25 million residents of Bulgaria and Romania can enjoy the right of free movement in the Schengen area, along with the other 450 million EU citizens.
Previously, residents of these countries had to spend time in long queues at more than 30 land border crossings between the two countries. The abolition of border controls was an important step for the integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the European community.
However, in the first six months after accession, random checks on travelers will be carried out at the borders to prevent criminal activity. Special attention will be paid to large cars.
Bulgaria's external border with Turkey now becomes part of the external border of the Schengen area. From January 2, this border will be patrolled by a joint contingent of 100 police officers from EU countries, which should ensure a high level of security.
