German Chancellor Supports Schengen Membership for Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania
Scholz said that the three countries met the requirements to become full members of the Schengen zone and suggested that the European Union closes the remaining gaps, AtoZSerwisPlus.ro reports.
During his visit to Prague, Czech Republic, Scholz said that Schengen is one of the greatest achievements of the EU, which must be protected and further developed.
“Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria fulfil all the technical requirements for full membership. I will work to see them become full members,” the statement of Scholz reads.
Bulgaria and Romania just recently reiterated their call on the EU experts to reassess their readiness to join the Schengen Area. The two countries are pushing the EU to announce their decision during the leaders’ meeting that is set to be held in December.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, Kostadin Kodzhabashev, said that the country wishes to become a full-fledged member at the end of the year and, at the same time, pointed out that the joining of his country to the Schengen zone is a political matter that needs full consensus.
“It turns out that joining is not so much a technical question but rather a political one that needs full consensus,” Kodzhabashev stated.
The Prime Minister of Romania, Nicolae Ciuca, also expressed his hope that Romania would become part of the borderless area before the end of this year.
Ciuca pointed out that the accession of Romania to the Schengen zone would eliminate the long waits at the border with the other countries and would attract a large number of international visitors.
“Everything we have done since the conflict started shows that we are prepared to become a member of Schengen,” Ciuca added.
Earlier in May, the Commission of the European Union urged the European Council to adopt decisions that would allow Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania to become part of the borderless area of Schengen.
The Commission’s comments on the matter came through the State of Schengen Report. The statement of the Commission said that these three countries have successfully fulfilled all the conditions required to become part of the passport-free zone.
The accession of Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania into the Schengen zone has been continuously required by the Commission. Nonetheless, the process has not been finalised yet.
The EU authorities are expected to come out with an official decision by the end of this year. However, until then, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania will continue to remain non-Schengen countries
