Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu made the first statement after the long-awaited announcement regarding Romania’s acceptance into the Schengen area as a full member.
“Romania will be a full member of the Schengen area starting January 1, 2025. It is a historic decision that was taken a short time ago at the JHA Council meeting in Brussels.
This is a victory for justice and national dignity and a clear signal that we will never accept being second-class citizens in Europe!
It is, above all, a triumph for all Romanians, regardless of their political choice or social situation. It is a victory of teamwork for the good of the country. Because at this moment opinion leaders from the country and abroad, public figures and ordinary people contributed, along with ministers, diplomats, MEPs and technicians from dozens of institutions.
For Romanian companies doing business with partners from European states, the elimination of border controls will facilitate trade and reduce logistics costs. This means that Romanian goods will become more competitive, which will stimulate the economy and create new business opportunities and jobs.
And, for Romanians, this decision brings concrete and immediate benefits. Especially for those from the diaspora, who frequently travel to Romania, especially during the holidays. You will no longer spend dozens of hours at the borders, but you will move freely, without additional checks. That means more time spent with families and less travel stress.
Today, practically, we all see the result of the sustained efforts that we started from the first day of the prime minister’s mandate, when we announced that the full integration of Romania into Schengen is one of the great priorities of this Government.
During all this time, I had numerous meetings with my counterparts from the European states, who became supporters of our cause, and I want to thank them in particular to the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Hungarian Viktor Orban. Their support was essential. I also thank the leaders of the European Commission and the European Parliament, who were constantly with us and helped us reach today’s decision.
Last but not least, I thank the Romanians for their support and trust! Together, we demonstrated that Romania deserves to be treated with respect and that the citizens of this country have equal rights with the Europeans”, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu sent.
