Historic moment: Border opens between Romania and Hungary

Starting 1 January, Romania becomes a full-fledged member of the Schengen Area, eliminating systematic border checks at nearly 40 crossing points shared with Hungary and Bulgaria.

By: dailynewshungary.com

Jan 01 2025
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Historic moment: Border opens

On 31 December, Romania marked a historic milestone by ending regular border checks at its crossings with Hungary, coinciding with the country’s accession to the Schengen Area. A symbolic border-opening ceremony was held at the temporary crossing point between Zajta (Hungary) and Nagypeleske (Romania), led by the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

According to Világgazdaság, the event was attended by several notable figures, including Gábor Kereskényi, Mayor of Satu Mare (Szatmárnémeti), Antal Elek Béres, Mayor of Lazuri (Lázári) in Romania, Attila Tilki, Hungarian Member of Parliament, and Zoltán Pál Kosztya, Mayor of Zajta.

Border opens between Romania and Hungary

Romania Hungary bordor control Schengen — Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt

Starting 1 January, Romania becomes a full-fledged member of the Schengen Area, eliminating systematic border checks at nearly 40 crossing points shared with Hungary and Bulgaria.

This historic development signifies not only the end of border controls but also the beginning of a new era of European integration. Crossing into Hungary will now feel like travelling to another Romanian county, remarked Ödön Szabó, an MP and regional leader of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ).

According to Maszol.ro, celebrations also took place in Bihor County, where participants symbolically cut “the chain of separation” at midnight, emphasising shared European values and the importance of cross-border cooperation.

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