The countries of the European Union (EU) have unanimously agreed to the full gradual entry of Romania and Bulgaria in the free circulation area Schengen.

The decision culminates a process that began 12 years ago and comes after Austria, the last country of the Twenty-seven that opposed the measure, lifted its veto.

This means that, starting in March, border controls will be eliminated internal air and maritime agreements with these two countries – which joined the EU in 2007 -, with the commitment of Austria, Bulgaria and Romania to later agree on the date of the end of land controls for 2024.

The incorporation of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, which will occur in phases, becomes a reality under the current Spanish presidency of the EU Council, which ends this Sunday. In fact, reaching the agreement was one of the priorities of the Spanish Government for this semester.

Sources from the Ministry of the Interior to laSexta point out that this is a “historic agreement” that comes “after intense negotiation in recent weeks between the affected Member States, with the support of the European Commission and the mediation of the Spanish presidency of the Council”.

The same sources also highlight that “the progressive lifting of controls on the internal borders of Bulgaria and Romania will strengthen and expand the space of free movement European Union and will facilitate the movement of millions of people, with a very positive social and economic impact throughout the region”.