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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

EXPLAINED: Romania bulgaria join borderless schengen zone after 13 year wait | Rare Historical Photos

Lorries wait at a border crossing between Bulgaria and Greece, where controls will end as Romania and Bulgaria join the Schengen zone at midnight. © Nikolay DOYCHINOV / AFP

Bucharest (AFP) – Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the Schengen zone on Wednesday, expanding the borderless area to 29 members and ending a 13-year wait for the two eastern European countries.

The expansion, made possible when Austria and other members dropped their objections to the former communist countries joining, officially took place at midnight (2200 GMT) on January 1, marked by ceremonies at various border posts.

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