EC calls for a decision on Oct 10 on abolition of internal Schengen land borders for Bulgaria and Romania

EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, on October 7, called for the abolition of internal Schengen land borders for Bulgaria and Romania by the end of the year.

"Bulgaria and Romania have made every effort and left no stone unturned on the road to Schengen. My message to the Justice and Home Affairs Council on Thursday, 10 October, is to take the last important decision to abolish land border controls. Take the final step, abolish land border controls for both countries before the end of the year. They deserve it, now is the time," EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said on the first day of the new plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on October 7.

The Commissioner underlined her pride in living in the Schengen area and noted the need for police cooperation and information exchange in the fight against organised crime.

Ylva Johansson commented on Germany's decision to bring back checks at its borders, pointing out that border controls should only be applied as a last resort and on a temporary basis so as not to restrict free movement.