Romania - a historic moment marked by a very special guest
During the inaugural ceremony at the Vama Petea crossing was a stray dog.
A stray dog in Romania
On 1 January 2025, Romania and Bulgaria officially became part of the Schengen Area. This marks a historic event that will simplify the free movement of people and goods, making travel faster and smoother for everyone. This change further streamlines the procedures already introduced in 2007 when Romania joined the European Union.
During the inaugural ceremony at the Vama Petea crossing, however, it wasn’t a politician or an official who first crossed the Romania-Hungary border; it was an unexpected guest—a stray dog. This image quickly went viral, providing a stark reminder of the ongoing and complex issue of stray animals.
Stray animal populations remain a significant problem in Romania and other Eastern European countries, especially in rural and peripheral areas. For more than 22 years, Save the Dogs has been working tirelessly to address overpopulation and improve the living conditions of these animals. Thanks to the work of our organization and other local groups, significant progress has been made.
However, Romania’s entry into the Schengen Area also introduces new risks. With border controls being reduced, the danger of illegal puppy trafficking is likely to increase—a persistent issue in Eastern Europe. Combating this criminal activity requires specific interventions and concrete actions, which the European Commission has been addressing for some time.
Our hope is that viral videos like the one showing a stray dog crossing the border will not only spark reflection but will also inspire action and reinforce support for the efforts of those working on the front lines.