Romania's total integration into the Schengen area will have as effect the development of the economy, being a guarantee that Romanian exports will advance strongly this year, says Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who expresses his confidence that all obstacles generated by the difficult international context will be overcome.

"The fact that we are fully in the Schengen area this year will give our economy the massive boost it needs to overcome this difficult international context. The disappearance of the crossing points on the border with Hungary and Bulgaria represents more than a symbolic moment, it is the guarantee that Romanian exports will advance strongly this year, and that means more money that will enter the accounts of our companies and a solid support for the development of the Romanian economy. The total integration of Romania into Schengen is proof that, when we persistently pursue our great national objectives, we have every reason to succeed! And I believe in our ability to overcome all obstacles together," Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu emphasized in a post on Facebook on Thursday.

Romania has been a full member of the Schengen area since January 1, 2025, after 18 years since its integration into the European Union. After Romania joined the European area of free movement with air and sea borders in 2024, now the land borders are also integrated into the Schengen system.

The Interior Ministers of Romania and Bulgaria were present, on New Year's Eve, at the Giurgiu Border Crossing Point to mark the accession of the two countries to the area of free movement with land borders.

"It is truly a historical moment, full of political significance, but also with special practical consequences for every Romanian citizen, for Romanian and Bulgarian companies, for companies operating in the two countries, for our countries and for Europe. By entering the Schengen area, Romania's integration into the EU is complete and irrevocable", stated the Romanian Minister of the Interior, Catalin Predoiu.

His Bulgarian counterpart, Atanas Ilkov, welcomed Bulgaria's and Romania's accession to Schengen land starting from January 1, 2025.

"For me it is a great privilege. We have been working with you for 17 years. We succeeded and we are here to congratulate each other for the success we have together. I thank Minister Predoiu for his efforts", said the Bulgarian Minister of the Interior.

The event was marked by the symbolic lifting of the barriers at the border control in Giurgiu Border Crossing.

Fireworks were launched over the Giurgiu - Ruse Friendship Bridge, and several Romanian citizens crossed into the neighboring country without control at the land borders. AGERPRES(RO - editor: Mariana Ionescu; EN - editor: Bogdan Gabaroi)