According to a study conducted by the Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the financial impact of Bulgaria's inclusion in the Schengen Area via land routes is expected to be substantial, reaching around BGN 1.63 billion (EUR 833.4 million) each year. The primary beneficiaries of this accession are predicted to be heavy road transport, as well as producers and exporters of goods, with estimates suggesting a total benefit of 1.39 billion BGN (EUR 719 million).
Another significant advantage highlighted in the study is the elimination of both direct and potential losses suffered by Bulgarian citizens when crossing the land borders with Romania and Greece. It is estimated that this change could save up to 242,437 days previously spent in border control processes. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the positive environmental impact that Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen Area by land would have, pointing out that carbon emissions are likely to decrease notably with the reduction in waiting times at border points.
In addition to the economic and environmental benefits outlined, the study also mentions the direct fiscal gains that Bulgaria stands to experience as a result of joining the Schengen Zone. These fiscal benefits are projected to be around 138 million BGN (EUR 79.5 million), providing a further incentive for the country to pursue this accession.