Bulgaria Fully Joins Schengen Area: What to Expect
Bulgaria has officially become a full member of the Schengen Area, the EU’s border-free zone. On December 12, 2023, the European Council decided to abolish land border controls for Bulgaria and Romania. This move has been eagerly awaited since 2010 when the council first confirmed these countries met the legal requirements.
New Rules in Action
From March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have begun implementing all Schengen acquis, leading to the removal of internal air and sea border controls. This decision was made during the Spanish presidency of the European Council in late December 2023.
Border Controls: What Changes and What Stays
With the abolition of border controls, Bulgarians and Europeans can now move freely across EU borders. However, certain provisions are in place to address security concerns:
- Bulgarian-Rumanian Border: A temporary, partial control will be implemented for the next six months, focusing on high-risk areas and vehicles. Only 5-10% of vehicles, predominantly exiting Bulgaria, will be subject to checks.
- Bulgarian-Greek Border: Enhanced surveillance measures will be applied to prevent illegal migration, drug trafficking, and smuggling. A joint international police task force will be deployed, with support from Greece.
Local Authorities and Infrastructure Adaptations
Border regions are adjusting to these changes:
- Bulgarian-Greek Border:
- In Blagoevgrad, signs and infrastructure are being updated to reflect the end of border controls.
- In Kardzhali and Haskovo, barrier systems and road signs will be removed.
- In Smolyan, travelers are advised to use established routes instead of the closed Rrudzoom-Khanti crossing until further notice.
- Bulgarian-Rumanian Border:
- In Svishtov, Svistov, and Vidin, border police will implement random checks for the next six months.
- In Dobrich, the agro-food safety agency will continue checks to prevent animal diseases.
- In Lom (Montana) and the Danube Bridge (Ruse), controls will focus on vessel crew checks and safety.
Schengen Information System
Bulgaria is a member of the Schengen Information System (SIS), the EU’s largest information exchange platform for security and border management. It enables national authorities to enter and check alerts for persons and goods in a common database.
Embrace the new era of freedom and convenience as Bulgaria fully joins the Schengen Area. Stay informed and updated with Google News Showcase for more news and updates.
