Romania’s full membership in the Schengen area would save millions of euros annually and improve the competitiveness of businesses in the European market, according to Euractiv.
Politicians said on Thursday that the country would join the Schengen area on 1 January 2025. President Klaus Iohannis stated that the announcement by the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council on Thursday stating that Bulgaria and Romania will abolish internal border controls would lead to “faster and easier movement” while reducing logistics costs for businesses.
Iohannis also noted that the decision “significantly enhances Romania’s attractiveness to foreign investors, who will benefit from the country’s improved connectivity.” Bulgaria and Romania technically fulfil the criteria for Schengen accession since 2011, with the European Commission and the European Parliament repeatedly expressing their support.
After the cancellation of border controls, “carriers will save millions of euros annually, and Romanian products will reach European markets faster and at lower costs,” said Finance Minister Marcel Boloș. Economy and Tourism Minister Ștefan-Radu Oprea also predicted the growth of tourism in Romania, citing Croatia’s similar experience after joining the Schengen area in 2023.
Victor Negrescu, vice-president of the European Parliament, predicted that Romania’s GDP could grow by up to 2% in 2025 after joining Schengen. Negrescu outlined the transport sector, industrial production, tourism and agriculture as “key beneficiaries.”
