EC: Romania and Bulgaria are "more than ready" to join Schengen

Romania and Bulgaria are "more than ready" to join Schengen. These are the conclusions of the fact-finding mission to the two countries, organised by the European Commission, which also included experts from the Commission and EU member states. A European Commission spokesman said today, October 27, that the Czech presidency of the Council of the EU would now take the issue forward.

The Commission's position since 2011 has been that the two countries have met all the conditions to become part of the Schengen area. The European Parliament has also called in its resolutions for our country's accession to take place as quickly as possible.

However, the decision must be taken unanimously by the member states, and the Netherlands is so far against the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen. The Dutch Parliament asked Prime Minister Mark Rutte last week not to support such a step at European level. The issue of Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia joining Schengen is expected to be discussed in early December, when the last Justice and Home Affairs Council of the Czech presidency of the Council of the EU is held.

"Since 2011, the European Commission has been actively advocating the completion of the Schengen area and the European Commission considers that Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia have met all the necessary conditions for accession. There was a voluntary fact-finding mission to Romania and Bulgaria, which was organised and coordinated by the European Commission with experts from the Commission, but also from the Member States. This mission confirmed that Romania and Bulgaria are 'more than ready' to join Schengen. The results were overwhelmingly positive and not a single problem was identified that could justify further delay. All Member States acknowledged the tremendous progress made by Bulgaria and Romania in the strict implementation of the Schengen rules. The Czech Presidency will now move the issue forward swiftly," said Anita Haider, spokesperson for the Commission.