Abstract
Until the escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic, joining the Schengen area was between the major foreign policy priorities for Bulgaria and Romania. Now, when having more clear view of the way out of the crisis, it is time to reopen that issue. The accession to the Schengen area will be associated with both internal and external political consequences, as well as economic ones. Despite all the benefits and advantages, the Bulgaria and Romania, in their perspective of future members of the Schengen area, have a huge responsibility arising from the forthcoming assumption of functions at the external border to ensure the security not only of Bulgarian and Romanian, but also of all European countries.