Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced plans to make crossing the Hungarian-Romanian border easier, highlighting that both Budapest and Bucharest are committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation, which will benefit both countries.
Szijjártó explained that one of the key improvements includes expanding the number of border crossing points to reduce long wait times and address any uncertainties caused by the delays. The minister emphasized the importance of upgrading infrastructure at border crossings and noted that after discussions with members of the new Romanian government, significant steps are being taken to improve the situation.
The number of border crossing points has already been increased from 12 to 22, cutting the average distance between crossing points from 37 to 20 kilometers. Szijjártó also confirmed that further expansions are planned, with agreements already in place for additional projects. Contracts have been signed for the renovation of the St. Gellért Bridge in Magyarcsanád and for the design of a new railway line connecting Szeged in Hungary with Timisoara in Romania.
In other border-related news, 2024 has seen a significant drop in irregular border crossings into the EU. According to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, the number of attempts to enter the EU illegally decreased by 38% in 2024, with only 239,000 attempts recorded, compared to the previous year’s figures.
