EC urges that Bulgaria be admitted to Schengen

The European Commission on June 2 recommended that Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia become full members of the Schengen area. The recommendation is addressed to the EC member states, which must decide on this. Brussels has presented a new strategy aimed at strengthening and improving the functioning of the Schengen area.

According to the European Commission, Bulgaria, together with Romania and Croatia, has met all the criteria for membership in the free movement area and the Council must decide on their admission as soon as possible.

The issue of the country's membership has been postponed for years due to the disagreement of some of the member states. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson told BNT that the European Commission is holding talks with individual countries to persuade them to support Bulgaria.

"We have assessed Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia. They have met the requirements to become a full member of the Schengen area. It is important to remember that it is not just about the expectations of these countries and the citizens of these countries. Admission to Schengen is an obligation for every EU country. I hope the Council is ready to welcome these three Member States into the Schengen area," Ylva Johansson said.