On Thursday, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu declared that the nation intends to become part of Europe's Schengen Area, allowing for unrestricted movement by sea and air. He expressed optimism that an agreement for visa-free land border crossings would be achieved by the end of 2024. 

In December, bids by Bulgaria and Romania to join Europe's border check-free Schengen area were blocked in an EU ministers' meeting, although Croatia's bid was approved, officials confirmed. However, Austria, which had vetoed the bids, proposed the idea of Schengen by air. 

However, developments indicate that Romania will be joining the Schengen Area by both sea and air, as confirmed by its PM on social media. 

"After 13 years Romania finally will join Schengen! We have a political agreement on this issue! Starting from March next year Romanians will be able to take advantage of the Schengen Area by air and sea," he wrote.

As a result of the deal, Ciolacu showed his enthusiasm and hopes for the port of Constanta, which would be able to generate additional value.

"I am also convinced that in 2024 we will finalize the talks on the land border. ... I thank all the participants and, especially, my colleagues in this government who made an effort although last year the Schengen door seemed to be fully closed," he added on land access.