Romania and Bulgaria join Schengen Area

(Patria) - Romania and Bulgaria are full members of the Schengen Area as of today, expanding the border-free area to 29 member states and ending a thirteen-year wait for the two Eastern European countries.

The expansion, which became possible when Austria and other member states dropped objections to the accession of the former communist countries, officially took place at midnight on January 1, marked by ceremonies at various border crossings, AFP reported.

Romania and Bulgaria, both EU members since 2007, were partially included in the Schengen Area in March, eliminating border controls at ports and airports. But Austria threatened to veto their full entry due to migration concerns, meaning controls still applied at land border crossings.

Vienna dropped its veto threat in December after the three countries reached an agreement on a "border protection package", paving the way for Romania and Bulgaria, the two poorest countries in the European Union, to join Schengen.

Created in 1985, the zone will now include 25 out of the 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, covering a total population of over 400 million people.

Romania and Bulgaria have met the technical requirements for Schengen Area membership since 2011.