With the arrival of 2025, Bulgaria and Romania officially became full members of the Schengen area, which was a historic step in the deepening integration of these countries into the European Union. In the first minute of the New Year, the acting Minister of the Interior of Bulgaria Atanas Ilkov and the Minister of the Interior of Romania Catlin Predoiu symbolically raised the last closed border barrier between the two countries on the Danube Bridge, located at the border crossing point “Ruse-Gyurzhevo”. This gesture marked the complete lifting of controls on the internal land borders between Bulgaria and Romania, which will lead to a significant simplification of border crossing for people and vehicles.
According to a press release from the press center of the Ministry of the Interior of Bulgaria, from now on, border controls between Bulgaria and Romania will be carried out only in case of suspicion, and the inspection of people and vehicles will be carried out based on the “risk analysis” method. This important innovation makes the border crossing process more efficient and faster.
Crossing the border in the Schengen zone: how it will work
Before Bulgaria and Romania joined Schengen, crossing the Danube Bridge involved several checks. All vehicles and passengers were subject to mandatory checks on both the Bulgarian and Romanian sides. Cars travelling from Bulgaria to Romania paid a “bridge” fee on the Bulgarian side, then crossed the bridge and were subjected to a thorough check by a joint Bulgarian-Romanian border guard team at the Gyurgevo crossing.
Trucks were also subjected to strict checks on both sides. They were weighed and checked on Bulgarian territory, then crossed the bridge and underwent another border check on the Romanian side. For many drivers, this meant long waits, especially during peak hours and holidays, which had a significant impact on traffic flows and the economy of the region.
New border crossing rules: what will change after joining Schengen
After Bulgaria and Romania join Schengen, passenger cars heading to Romania will pay a “bridge” fee on the Bulgarian side, then cross the bridge and on Romanian territory will be checked only in individual cases based on the “risk analysis” method. This means that the majority of passenger cars will move without delays and additional checks, which will significantly speed up the border crossing process.
Trucks will also pay a “bridge” fee on the Bulgarian side. On Romanian territory, only a part of the trucks will be checked depending on the results of the risk analysis. This measure will speed up the passage of trucks through the border crossing and reduce the likelihood of traffic jams and delays, especially during periods of high traffic.
What to expect in the coming days: traffic flows and waiting at the border
After the removal of the border barrier and the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen, traffic across the “Danube Bridge” is expected with minimal delays. However, in the first days after the change in the border crossing procedure, the flow of vehicles may increase, which will lead to some temporary difficulties.
According to the border crossing, 930 trucks crossed the bridge in the last 24 hours, of which 412 entered Bulgaria and 518 left the country. It is expected that in the coming days, especially during the holidays, traffic across the border will be more intense. However, thanks to the introduction of the “risk analysis” system and the improvement of control processes, it is expected that the situation will stabilize, and traffic flows will soon move without significant delays.
Schengen: how it will change the lives of citizens and the economy of the region
The entry of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen will not only simplify the movement of people and goods, but will also have a positive impact on the economies of both countries. The unhindered movement of goods and people will facilitate trade and economic ties between Bulgaria, Romania and the rest of the EU. With the introduction of new security and control procedures, it is expected that the amount of illegal migration and smuggling will decrease, which will also have a positive impact on public safety and stability in the region.
Conclusion
With the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen, an important stage in the integration of these countries into the European Union has been completed. The raising of the last border barrier on the Danube Bridge symbolizes not only the physical but also the political rapprochement of the two countries. This event opens up new opportunities for business, tourism and the economy in general, and also makes everyday life easier for citizens of both countries. In the future, we can expect an increase in the number of tourists and the strengthening of economic ties between the neighbors.
