Rumania to Shutter Over 30 Border Checkpoints by 2025; Enhanced Security and Schengen Integration Ahead
Rumania is gearing up to close more than 30 border checkpoints by January 1, 2025, marking its entry into the Schengen Area by land. This is according to a government resolution published on the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ website for public consultation, as reported by the Romanian "Economedia".
The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasizes the urgent need to implement measures outlined in the European Union Council’s December 12, 2024 decision, which eliminates controls on persons at internal land borders between Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as between Romania and Bulgaria, starting January 1, 2025.
The closures will predominantly affect border checkpoints with Hungary, followed by those with Bulgaria. Rationale behind the closures includes the integration of Schengen rules and the necessity to strengthen public order and security, given Romania’s current battles with diverse illegal migration and its strategic location as a transit point from East to West.
"The removal of internal border controls implies the need to enhance measures to ensure public order and security, taking into account that Romania is now facing a broad spectrum of illegal migration," the document states. Transnational police cooperation is deemed crucial for addressing security threats and maintaining smooth Schengen operations.
To prevent people from bypassing authorities by simply traveling between member states, Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria will bolster their cross-border cooperation, involving joint actions like cross-border pursuits and surveillance, as well as transnational initiatives such as joint operations involving temporary deployments of border officers.
Existing equipment and infrastructure at the shuttered checkpoints will be repurposed based on operational needs or disposed of according to legal provisions. However, the Kalafat border checkpoint in Dolj County will remain operational as an international border crossing point in maritime mode.
Furthermore, in accordance with an agreement signed by Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, and Hungary’s interior ministers in early December, Bulgaria and Romania will maintain border controls for an additional six months after their Schengen accession. Meanwhile, the Bulgaria-Greece border will be free of such controls post-Schengen integration.
As Romania prepares for these significant changes, it iterates its commitment to navigating the complexities of Schengen integration and ensuring the security of its citizens and the broader European community.
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