Since Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, noticeable changes have been reported in the transport and logistics sector, bringing clear benefits for companies engaged in transport services as well as those with goods to move. Industry representatives say these changes are already making a difference.

For the region, Schengen membership is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of transit transport. Border checks have been removed, significantly reducing the time it takes for goods to cross from Bulgaria to Central Europe. According to Dimcho Dimchev, manager of a logistics company who spoke to BNR-Radio Sofia, transport time can now be cut by as much as eight hours - a major advantage for moving fast-moving or sensitive goods.

Dimchev described Schengen as a key factor in advancing European integration, offering a more seamless connection between member states. He expects these changes to contribute to substantial economic growth within the transport sector, further reinforcing Bulgaria’s status as a vital transport hub for Europe. Beyond bolstering Bulgaria’s economic position, easier borderless access also cements the country’s role as a gateway to the European Union for goods coming from the Middle East, Asia, and Turkey.

The benefits of Schengen for Bulgarian transporters and logistics providers go beyond faster journeys. Dimchev explained that the elimination of border formalities helps carriers streamline their routes and reduce operational costs, while also easing administrative hurdles. This new predictability is vital for traders and logisticians alike, allowing them to plan shipments and manage supply chains more efficiently. The result is improved productivity, less time lost to delays along the way, and meaningful cost savings for companies in the sector.

In Dimchev’s words, predictability is one of the most significant gains in this interconnected European logistics space. Fewer stops and border checks mean trucks can cover longer distances without disruption, smoothing the flow of goods and giving logistics firms a clearer picture of how to move cargo across the continent.

Dimchev also pointed out that Bulgaria’s future adoption of the euro will be another important step in its path toward full European integration. He anticipates that easier access to the European market, combined with membership in Schengen and future eurozone participation, will unlock additional economic opportunities for Bulgarian businesses.

Despite the optimism surrounding these developments, challenges remain. In particular, the quality of road infrastructure in Bulgaria and Romania continues to be a concern, especially on key routes to Hungary. Industry representatives stress that improvements in road conditions are needed to complement the new logistical advantages brought by Schengen membership.

Source: BNR interview