By Alimat Aliyeva

Romania will become a full member of the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, Azernews reports.

"Thanks to the active support of Hungary in its capacity as the current chairman of the EU Council and all member states, Romania will join the Schengen Area at the land borders starting January 1, 2025," Ciolacu said after talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The decision on Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area at land borders, effective January 1, 2025, will be finalized in Brussels on December 12, based on a document that Hungary, as the chairman of the EU Council, will submit, Orban added.

"For some time now, Romania has met all the necessary criteria to become a full member of the Schengen Area, and now all barriers will be removed," Orban stated.

With Romania's accession to the Schengen Area, passport control for Romanian citizens traveling to other Schengen member countries or arriving in Romania from these countries will be abolished at land borders.

This move marks a significant step for Romania, enhancing its integration into the European Union's internal market and strengthening its role in regional security and cooperation. Romania’s membership in Schengen will streamline travel across Europe, potentially boosting tourism, trade, and economic relations with other EU countries. However, the full integration will also require Romania to enhance border security and ensure compliance with Schengen’s strict visa and immigration policies.