The barrier between Bulgaria and Romania was removed in the first minute of the New Year.

With the arrival of 2025 Bulgaria Bulgaria and Romania officially became full members of the Schengen Area, marking a historic step in the deepening integration of these countries into the European Union. In the first minutes of the New Year, Acting Minister of the Interior of Bulgaria Atanas Ilkov and Minister of the Interior of Romania Catlin Predoiu symbolically lifted the last closed border barrier between the two countries on the Danube Bridge at the Ruse-Gyurzhevo border crossing. This gesture marked the complete lifting of controls on the internal land borders between Bulgaria and Romania, significantly simplifying border crossings for people and vehicles.

According to a press release from the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior's press center, from now on, border checks between Bulgaria and Romania will only be conducted in cases of suspicion, and the screening of people and vehicles will be based on a risk analysis method. This important innovation will make the border crossing process more efficient and faster.

Crossing the border in the Schengen area: how it will work

Before Bulgaria and Romania joined Schengen, crossing the Danube Bridge involved several stages of checks. All vehicles and passengers underwent mandatory inspections on both the Bulgarian and Romanian sides. Cars traveling from Bulgaria to Romania paid a bridge toll on the Bulgarian side, then crossed the bridge and were thoroughly inspected by a joint Bulgarian-Romanian border guard team at the Gyurgevo crossing.

Trucks were also subject to strict inspection on both sides. They were weighed and inspected on the Bulgarian side, 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 region's economy.

New border crossing rules: what will change after joining Schengen

After Bulgaria and Romania join Schengen, passenger cars traveling to Romania will pay a bridge toll on the Bulgarian side, then cross the bridge and, on Romanian territory, will be subject to checks only in selected cases, based on a risk analysis method. This means that the majority of passenger cars will be able to travel without delays or additional checks, significantly speeding up the border crossing process.

Trucks will also pay a bridge toll on the Bulgarian side. On the Romanian side, only a portion of trucks will be inspected based on the results of a risk analysis. This measure will expedite the passage of trucks through the border crossing and reduce the likelihood of traffic jams and delays, especially during peak traffic periods.

What to expect in the coming days: traffic flows and border waits

Following the removal of the border barrier and the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area, traffic across the Danube Bridge is expected to have minimal delays. However, in the first few days following the change in border crossing procedures, traffic may increase, causing some temporary disruptions.

According to border crossing data, 930 trucks crossed the bridge in the past 24 hours, 412 of which entered Bulgaria and 518 left the country. Border traffic is expected to increase in the coming days, especially during the holidays. However, thanks to the implementation of the "risk analysis" system and improved control processes, the situation is expected to stabilize, and traffic flows will soon flow without significant delays.

Schengen: How it will change the lives of citizens and the region's economy

Bulgaria and Romania's accession to Schengen will not only facilitate the movement of people and goods but will also have a positive impact on the economies of both countries. Unimpeded movement of goods and people will facilitate trade and economic ties between Bulgaria, Romania, and the rest of the EU. The introduction of new security and control procedures is expected to reduce illegal migration and smuggling, which will also have a positive impact on public safety and stability in the region.

Conclusion

The accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area marks an important milestone in their integration into the European Union. The raising of the final border barrier on the Danube Bridge symbolizes not only the physical but also the political rapprochement between the two countries. This event opens up new opportunities for business, tourism, and the economy as a whole, and makes everyday life easier for citizens of both countries. In the future, we can expect an increase in tourist numbers and stronger economic ties between the neighbors.