EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on X that Bulgaria and Romania have joined Schengen and that air and sea border controls have been lifted as of today.
Von der Leyen said this would benefit millions of EU citizens across Europe and make the Schengen area stronger.
Ylva Johansson, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, said that the next phase will also see the abolition of controls at land borders, which will be discussed in talks between member states throughout the year.
Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007.
Austria had long opposed the two countries joining Schengen, fearing an increase in irregular migration. The agreement was reached late last year.
