Title: Bulgaria Finally Joins Schengen Zone: Premier Dimitrov Gilev Celebrates at Kulata Border Crossing
Meta Description: Bulgaria officially joins the Schengen Area, ending years of wait. Prime Minister Dimitrov Gilev marks the occasion at the Kulata border crossing.
SEO Keywords: Bulgaria, Schengen, Dimitrov Gilev, Kulata, border crossing, Schengen Area, European Union, free movement
- Bulgaian Prime Minister Dimitrov Gilev celebrated the historical occasion as Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area today, January 1, 2025. The event marked the culmination of years of effort by many individuals, as Bulgaria became a fully-fledged member of the border-free Schengen zone.
Gilev expressed his gratitude to the border police, military personnel, and "Frontex" staff, as well as European Union allies, stating, "Together, we will protect the external borders of the EU much better."
From Greece to Finland, and Portugal, Bulgarians can now travel freely without border checks. Premier Gilev expects his fellow countrymen to notice the differences and enjoy the comforts of full Schengen membership within days.
The Entscheidung (decision) to lift border controls on Bulgaria and Romania came on December 12, 2024, when the European Council agreed that both countries had met the legal requirements. The long-standing issue was finally resolved, ending years of waiting since the European Commission’s 2010 assessment.
In a symbolic gesture, Bulgaria’s Minister of Interior, Atanas Ilkov, and his Romanian counterpart, Catalin Predoi, jointly removed the barrier at the Dunav Most border crossing near Ruse-Gurgiv at midnight.
This development is set to enhance Europe’s internal security, simplify travel, and boost economic ties within the European Union.
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