Last updated on April 5th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
A stray dog was the first to cross the border between Romania and Hungary after Romania, already a member of the European Union (EU), recently became part of the Schengen Area.
The dog made history when it strolled through the entrance as the checkpoint barrier was lifted, and was greeted with a round of applause from officers who stood on both sides of the road. Watch the video below:
Romania and Bulgaria became full member nations of the Schengen Area on January 1 with the lifting of the checks on persons at the internal land borders between the countries and other Schengen nations. The internal air and sea border controls were lifted on 31 March 2024.
Their Schengen admission was delayed by Austria who cited uncontrolled immigration.
Permanent residents and citizens of countries in the Schengen Area can travel visa-free to other member nations – thus enhancing tourism and business.
List Of Countries In The EU Schengen Area
Currently, there are 30 countries in the Schengen Area. Not all the countries are members of the European Union (EU). 22 countries are part of the EU while four (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are non-members and are referred to as Associated States. Ireland and Cyprus are EU nations but are not included in the Schengen Area.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
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1 comment
The expansion of the Schengen Area is a significant step for these countries and a milestone for the European Union’s commitment to integration and free movement.
I appreciated how you included the updated list of Schengen countries—it’s helpful for travelers and businesses alike to stay informed about which countries are now part of this borderless zone. For Romania and Bulgaria, this marks not only increased connectivity with other EU nations but also new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
The story of the stray dog is such an interesting way to illustrate the significance of open borders. It’s a simple yet powerful metaphor for how this development symbolizes freedom and mobility—not just for people, but in this case, for all living beings!