European Commission President confident on Romania, Bulgaria Schengen accession
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed confidence in Romania and Bulgaria's imminent full membership in the Schengen area, emphasising ongoing efforts to reinforce borders, Agerpres has reported.
During a press conference following the EU summit in Brussels, von der Leyen stated, "You can count on us to further strengthen the borders and convince Austria that Romania and Bulgaria deserve to be fully in Schengen."
Highlighting the Commission's long standing conviction of Romania and Bulgaria's readiness for Schengen, she added, "The European Commission has been convinced for several years that Romania and Bulgaria are ready for Schengen."
Recent EU-funded projects aimed at bolstering borders in both countries, coupled with fact-finding missions, have prompted Austria to take initial steps towards integrating air and maritime Schengen.
Moreover, the increased multiannual EU budget, agreed upon Thursday, includes supplementary resources allocated for border fortification.
Member states approved the cessation of controls at air and maritime borders with Bulgaria and Romania in March 2024, with ongoing discussions concerning the elimination of controls at land borders slated for priority at the next EU interior ministers' meeting in March.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
