Bulgaria and Romania Symbolically Lift Border Barrier to Mark Full Schengen Alignment
In a historic moment, the Interior Ministers of Bulgaria and Romania raised the border barrier at the Danube Bridge crossing in Ruse-Giurgiu at midnight, marking the full integration of both countries into the Schengen Area. The milestone was celebrated with a ceremonial opening of the border, complete with toasts, champagne, and fireworks.
The regional administration in Ruse distributed special biscuits to the first 1000 passengers who crossed the border, emblazoned with the words "BG-RO Schengen." On the Bulgarian side, a special billboard was erected, featuring the message "Hand in hand, heart to heart: Bulgaria and Romania united in Schengen" in both Bulgarian and Romanian, accompanied by the flags of the two nations and the European Union.
Bulgarian Interior Minister, Atanas Ilkov, expressed his joy and pride in the culmination of 17 years of collaborative effort between the two countries, attributing their success to the trust and cooperation forged over the years. He extended his gratitude to Romanian Minister, Katarin Predoiu, for his hard work in achieving this shared goal.
Predoiu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the historical significance of the moment and its impact not just on Bulgaria and Romania, but on Europe as a whole. He also expressed the importance of this moment for the economies and citizens of both countries.
The official ceremony included the performance of national anthems by an orchestra, attended by representatives from various institutions on both sides of the Danube.
To mark the occasion, the ministers presented special certificates and insignia to the first passengers crossing the border. As of January 1, light vehicles crossing into Romania will pay the ‘bridge’ toll on the Bulgarian side and a portion will undergo risk analysis-based border control on the Romanian side. Conversely, trucks from Romania will pay the toll upon entry into Bulgaria, with a portion subject to pre-border risk analysis.
This alignment marks a significant step towards further European integration for Bulgaria and Romania, facilitating smoother travel and boosting economic cooperation between the two nations.
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