The European Union’s Council of Interior Ministers has approved the lifting of border controls between Bulgaria and Romania starting January 1, 2025, as both countries join the Schengen Area. While border checks will cease at the land borders, checks between the two countries will continue for at least another six months. The lifting of checks at the Greek-Bulgarian border near Komotini will also take place on New Year’s Day, although certain restrictions on buses and large trucks from Bulgaria to Greece will remain in effect.