It's been a rocky road to Schengen membership for both eastern European countries. View on euronews

Romania and Bulgaria have officially become full members of the Schengen Area, Azernews reports. "We welcome the decision of the European Council, which gives the green light for Romania and Bulgaria to fully join the Schengen family," the publication states.

The European Union ministers has agreed to let Bulgaria and Romania fully integrate into Europe’s ID-check free travel zone known as the Schengen area by lifting land border controls next year.