Romania officially became part of the Schengen Area, including air and maritime borders, on December 31, 2024. This pivotal moment marks not only a significant advancement for Romania but also has notable reverberations for the thousands of Moldovan citizens who hold dual Romanian citizenship. Romanian Internal Affairs Minister Cătălin Predoiu announced the development and emphasized its importance for travel and security.
The recent influx of Moldovan citizens obtaining Romanian citizenship, which now exceeds 640,000 according to the Romanian Justice Ministry, has been facilitated by the easier travel opportunities within the EU, coupled with the desire for access to broader European markets and rights. Over the past two decades, nearly 800,000 citizenship applications have been received, with significant delays reported due to manpower shortages at the National Citizenship Authority.
Deputy Ştefan-Iulian Lorincz of USR PLUS highlighted these delays, noting how long processing times have discouraged many applicants. "Some applications have been pending for as long as 14 months," he stated, reflecting the growing frustrations among Moldovan applicants. The pandemic had initially slowed the rate of applications significantly, causing only 17,549 requests to be submitted in 2020. Nevertheless, this period was also instrumental for processing many backlogged cases, resulting in over 66,000 approvals during the same timeframe.
Several Moldovans echoed their feelings of optimism about the future now being part of the Schengen area as they can travel freely and work across Europe. For many, Romanian citizenship serves as a bridge to greater opportunities and stability, providing them with the advantages of EU laws and regulations.
On the other hand, Romania’s accession to Schengen has not come without its challenges. It introduces new administrative requirements for traveling and conducting business, with local authorities providing guidance to citizens. A series of recommendations have been issued by the Border Police concerning travel within EU member states, ensuring compliance with Schengen regulations.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed his support for Romania's Schengen membership, emphasizing the nations’ collaborative efforts within the EU. He reassured fellow leaders of Hungary's commitment to assist Romania during the transition. According to Orban, "Hungary stands shoulder to shoulder with Romania as it embarks on this new chapter within Europe."
But with the brighter prospects of Schengen membership, concerns surrounding bureaucratic hurdles continue to persist. Those who have already secured citizenship are being encouraged to prepare necessary documentation for traveling within the Schengen Zone. Authorities are emphasizing the need for travelers to familiarize themselves with updated regulations and potential fines for non-compliance with border laws.
The rise of Romanian citizenship among Moldovans is no coincidence, driven by historic ties and cultural connections, coupled with the shaky political climate and economic conditions in Moldova. Following the easing of restrictions during the pandemic, more applications than ever have been processed, reflecting the urgency with which many Moldovans seek stability.
Despite the challenges posed by the processing of citizenship applications and the adjustments required for Schengen rules, the overarching sentiment remains one of renewal and hope. The Romanian government assures its citizens and new applicants of continued support during the transition.
The government has increased child support allocations, designing them to aid families significantly affected by economic hardships. "These funds reflect our commitment to supporting every family across Romania," remarked Minister Predoiu as he detailed the new financial measures accompanying Romania’s full integration within Schengen, highlighting their prioritization of social welfare even as new borders are operationalized.
For Moldovan citizens, the road to citizenship remains challenging yet rewarding, as the integral connection to Romania offers pathways to jobs and education. Traveling onward to other EU countries becomes not only feasible but also celebrates these enduring cultural ties within the region.
Romania's future as part of the Schengen Area seems bright—with new responsibilities but also enhanced opportunities—and Moldovans are increasingly becoming participants in this new chapter. They view Romanian citizenship not just as legal status but as part of their broader European heritage.
The passage of time will reveal how this transition impacts the dynamics of the region as Romania continues to navigate its role within European policies and practices, shaping the lives of many who aspire for stability and prosperity.