European Union ambassadors have approved Bulgaria and Romania's long-awaited accession to the Schengen Area, marking a significant milestone that could take effect from January 1, 2025.

This decision follows more than a decade of delays despite the countries meeting technical criteria for membership in 2010.

The breakthrough was confirmed during a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States (COREPER), under Hungary's presidency of the EU Council. Ambassadors have finalized preparations for the Council of the EU to formally lift internal land border checks with the two nations.

The formal adoption of the measure is expected during the EU Council meeting on December 12, 2024. If approved, this would be the final step for integrating Bulgaria and Romania into the passport-free Schengen Zone.

Both countries had fulfilled technical standards for Schengen membership for over a decade, but accession was delayed due to objections from Austria and the Netherlands. These nations cited concerns over irregular migration, stalling progress despite broad support from other EU member states.

Progress accelerated earlier this year when EU member states agreed to a partial accession framework. This arrangement removed border checks at airports and seaports, effective March 30, 2024, while land border controls remained.

Austria, the last significant holdout, lifted its objections last week following an EU agreement on measures to combat irregular migration. This resolution cleared the path for the COREPER endorsement, eliminating the final obstacle to Bulgaria and Romania’s full Schengen membership.

The decision to fully admit Bulgaria and Romania is expected to streamline cross-border travel and enhance economic integration in the region. Citizens and businesses in both countries have long criticized land border checks as barriers to trade and mobility.

On a broader scale, the move underscores the EU’s commitment to equal treatment among its members. The prolonged delays in granting Schengen access had been criticized as unfair and detrimental to European unity.

"The removal of internal land border controls is the final hurdle. I welcome the positive outcome of today’s informal talks in Budapest. The official decision is coming," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

If formally adopted by the EU Council, Bulgaria and Romania will join the 27 other Schengen members, enjoying unrestricted travel across the zone. This enlargement is expected to bolster cohesion within the EU and highlight the bloc’s ability to resolve internal disputes through compromise.

The Schengen Area, established in 1995, facilitates free movement across 27 European countries by eliminating internal border controls. Bulgaria and Romania, EU members since 2007, had faced exclusion due to concerns over governance and border management. The latest development aligns with the EU’s broader goals of strengthening external border security and addressing migration challenges.

This decision marks a significant step toward reinforcing shared values, regional stability, and the EU’s capacity for unity in diversity. (ILKHA)