Romania and Bulgaria are granted full Schengen membership, with one caveat

Romania and Bulgaria's shared journey to join the passport-free Schengen Area came to an end on Thursday morning as interior ministers from the European Union gave their final blessing to their hard-fought candidacy.

The momentous decision was made possible after Austria, the most ardent opponent, lifted its firmly held veto last month during a meeting in Budapest.

"A great victory for Bulgaria, Romania, and all of Europe," said the Hungarian presidency of the EU Council, which had made the completion of Schengen a key priority.

As a result, the two Eastern countries will join Schengen as of 1 January 2025 in the capacity of fully-fledged members, closing the chapter that began in 2011, when the European Commission first determined their readiness for accession.

Back then, many countries, including Germany and France, opposed the joint candidacy. Over time, the political opposition gradually eased, leaving the Netherlands and, eventually, Austria as the last standing roadblock in the long road.

Checks at air and sea borders were lifted earlier this year.

"Fully in Schengen - where you belong," said Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission. "A stronger Schengen signifies a safer and more united Europe," said Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament.

The accession, though, comes with a key caveat set to dent celebrations somewhat.

The Budapest deal foresees the introduction of checks at the land borders between Hungary and Romania and between Romania and Bulgaria for "at least" six months to "prevent any serious threat to public policy and internal security".

The wording of "at least" implies they could be extended further down the line.

The concession was meant to assuage Vienna's persistent