Romania and Bulgaria's long overdue accession to the Schengen Area "a good day for Europe"

The Renew Europe group has long campaigned for Romania and Bulgaria to be admitted to the free-movement Schengen area. We wholeheartedly welcome the announcement today that the unjustified blockage has ended and Romania and Bulgaria will finally take their rightful place in Schengen.

Reacting to the developments, Dan Barna MEP, (Uniunea Salvați România, Romania), Vice - President of Renew Europe, said:

“Romania's accession to the Schengen Area, a right earned by Romanians over a decade ago, has finally become a reality. This achievement belongs to a nation that, following a bloody anti-communist revolution, set its sights on Europe and never wavered from this goal. It is a testament to the people who envision the European family as a union founded on freedom, prosperity, and shared security. From its inception, USR [Save Romania Union] has championed this aspiration, both in government and in opposition. Together with our partners in the European liberal family in Austria, NEOS, and those in Bulgaria, MRF [Movement for Rights and Freedoms], we applaud the Austrian government's decision to lift its unjustified veto and contribute to the full European integration of our countries.”

Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Movement for Rights and Freedom, Bulgaria), emphasised:

“Being born under communism, I remember the hope for freedom and European unity by entire generations of Eastern Europeans, marked by the fall of the Berlin wall. I remember the tears of joy when Bulgaria joined the EU. Unfortunately, the delayed accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area was a bitter pill, awaiting more than a decade after both countries first met the necessary criteria. It created a sense of unfairness and two-tiered Europe. Today, we finally put an end to that and bring back the hope and belief in European equality - in a truly united, inclusive European community, in Europe of free borders and no barriers, in the promise, that Europe leaves no one behind.”

Helmut Brandstätter MEP (NEOS, Austria), said:

“Today is a good day for Europe. The integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area is a long-overdue step that unites Europe, strengthens our security, and unlocks progress that benefits all EU member states. NEOS, as Austria’s strongest critics of the Schengen veto, have consistently stood at the forefront of opposing this harmful blockade.”

“For years, we have highlighted its damaging effects on European unity and security. Together with our liberal friends in Romania and Bulgaria—the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and USR [Save Romania Union] —we have worked tirelessly to advocate for this breakthrough. Today, seeing Austria’s government finally lift its veto is a victory not only for Romanians and Bulgarians but also for everyone who envisions a united Europe. This marks a turning point for the Union—a reminder that Europe thrives when we move forward together, focusing not on division but on building a stronger, more united future.”

Nikola Minchev (We Continue the Change, Bulgaria), added:

“It is a hard-fought and a long-awaited victory. I extend my congratulations to all Bulgarians and Romanians on the achievement of such an important national goal. For us, it means that we are in the heart of the European project. The positive impact of this decision has many dimensions - economic, political and cultural.

For more than a decade Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen area was blocked due to concerns over the rule of law, but the recent progress under the two latest governments led by We Continue the Change has had its impact. Our pursuit of reforms and anti-corruption measures has been instrumental in demonstrating Bulgaria's readiness for full European integration. This achievement stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through determination, as well as clear political will and priorities.”

Eugen Tomac (Partidul Mișcarea Populară, Romania), added:

“As one of the most vocal advocates for this cause, despite the many obstacles along the way, I am pleased that Romanians will at last enjoy a fundamental right they have long deserved. While we should take a moment to finally celebrate Romania’s full accession to the Schengen area, we must also remember the 13 long years of waiting for the recognition of our rightful place within Europe’s free movement space. This milestone reflects the resilience and patience of the Romanian people, who have endured years of unjust delays.”