Romania and Bulgaria will officially join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, marking the end of a long journey that began in 2011, when the European Commission declared both countries ready for membership.

The long-awaited decision was finalized on Thursday, as interior ministers from the European Union gave their final approval to Romania and Bulgaria's candidacy. This major milestone came after Austria, the most vocal opponent, lifted its veto last month during a meeting in Budapest.

"A great victory for Bulgaria, Romania, and all of Europe," said the Hungarian presidency of the EU Council, which had prioritized the completion of Schengen membership.

As a result, Romania and Bulgaria will become fully-fledged Schengen members starting January 1, 2025, closing a chapter that began in 2011, when the European Commission first acknowledged their readiness for accession.

What is the caveat?

Back in 2011, Romania and Bulgaria faced opposition from several countries, including Germany and France, regarding their joint candidacy for Schengen membership. Over time, the political resistance diminished, with the Netherlands and eventually Austria remaining as the last major obstacles.

Earlier this year, checks at air and sea borders were lifted.

"Fully in Schengen - where you belong," said Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. "A stronger Schengen signifies a safer and more united Europe," stated Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament.

However, their accession comes with a significant caveat that could dampen celebrations.

The deal reached in Budapest includes the introduction of border checks at the land borders between Hungary and Romania, as well as between Romania and Bulgaria, for "at least" six months. These checks are intended to "prevent any serious threat to public policy and internal security," with the "at least" phrasing suggesting the possibility of further extensions.

This concession was made to address Austria's persistent concerns over irregular migration, which had been a key issue for the country in blocking the joint bid.

As a result, while Thursday's approval marks a major milestone—the permanent abolition of passport checks at land borders—citizens traveling between these countries may still face some delays and queues.

Border checks to manage migration flows have become more common within the European Union, with Germany, France, and the Netherlands among those reinstating them in recent months, despite debates over their effectiveness.

Saila Heinikoski, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), suggests that the reintroduction of border checks can serve as a "tool" for politicians to "show the domestic public that we are doing something."

"Internal border controls may not be that invasive actually; they may be only random checks at the border," Heinikoski explained.

The Schengen Area, one of Europe’s key integration achievements, now includes 29 countries and nearly 450 million people.