Airports in Sofia and Bucharest have removed passport check points for travel within most European Union member states as Bulgaria and Romania partially enter the Schengen open-travel zone. This move simplifies travel and enhances the sense of European identity for citizens. Both countries aim to become full members of the Schengen zone by the end of the year, which would eliminate border checks for road and rail travel as well. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the development as a success, emphasizing the importance of unity in Europe. Additionally, Bulgaria and Romania have joined a police initiative with Austria, Greece, and Slovakia to address migrant flows, supported by increased presence from the EU’s border agency, Frontex, along the Bulgarian-Turkish border.