Bulgaria, Romania Hail Schengen Zone Entry, Eye Full Accession

Sofia/Bucharest — Romania and Bulgaria have formally joined — at least partially — Europe’s visa-free Schengen travel zone as of March 31, a move widely hailed in both countries as well as the EU after years of painful negotiations.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov on March 31 described the event as a “big victory” for his nation of 6.6 million people.

“Bulgaria is at a historic moment, joining the Schengen Area, and this is not just a political cliché,” said Denkov, who submitted his resignation this month but remains in office until a new government is formed.

“After 2007 and Bulgaria’s accession to the EU, this is the biggest success of Bulgarian diplomacy, Bulgarian institutions, and Bulgarian politicians,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Maria Gabriel also called the day a “historic moment.”

“Bulgaria is becoming a community of millions of people traveling freely, with benefits for business, tourism, and culture. Let’s all move forward together to the ultimate goal of abolishing checks at land borders,” she said.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said it is a “well-deserved achievement” for his country of 19 million people.