The European Commission “welcomes today’s unanimous decision by the Council to lift internal land border controls with Romania and Bulgaria as of 1 January 2025”. This step completes the full entry of both countries into the Schengen area. A new thing, grown over many years, that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, comments like this: “Today is a day of joy for all Bulgarians, Romanians and for the whole Union. Both member states will fully enter the largest area of free movement in the world. This is important for all of us, European citizens and businesses. Together, we will reap the benefits of a strong and connected Europe”. According to a release from the European Commission that goes with the Council’s decision, “this not only strengthens the Schengen area, but will further strengthen the internal market, increasing travel, trade and tourism. A robust Schengen area reinforces the EU’s unity and makes the EU stronger at a global scale”. Today’s decision means that, as from 1 January 2025, citizens can travel without land border controls to and between Bulgaria and Romania. As highlighted in the 2024 State of Schengen, “Schengen stands strong and remains the most visited destination in the world. Guaranteeing smooth and secure travel to a region with a population of almost 450 million people, the Schengen area is essential for the European Union, its people and its businesses”.