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Cecilia Malmstrom hopes solution will be found for Romania and Bulgaria to join Schengen area
European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom on Friday voiced hope that a solution would be found for Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen area, in the context in which the EU interior ministers are to have their say on this subject on September 22.
'I know that the Polish Presidency of the European Union makes substantial efforts to find a solution' to the two countries' joining the Schengen area, Malmstrom told a news conference in Brussels in answer to a question referring to Holland's possible veto during the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council to Romania and Bulgaria joining the borderless European area.The EU Polish Presidency 'is trying to find a solution to offer, partially at least, Romania and Bulgaria the possibility to join the Schengen area.' 'I have supported the Polish efforts and I have also said that both Romania and Bulgaria are technically prepared to join,' added Malmstrom, who mentioned again the fact that the decision must be made unanimously by the member states.
'I hope it is still possible to find a solution,' also said Cecilia Malmstrom. She also voiced hope that the proposals made by the European Commission on managing the Schengen area would strengthen confidence in the borderless European area, Agerpres correspondent informs..
Dutch Minister of Immigration Gerd Leers said on Thursday that his country might be against the European decision on Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area.
The EU interior ministers during the JHA Council on September 22-23, in Brussels, will discuss the subject of enlarging the Schengen area by Romania and Bulgaria joining it after the above-mentioned question was also approached during the meeting of the JHA Council in early June in Luxembourg.