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Ursula von der Leyen: Bulgaria and Romania proved they are part of Schengen area
Bulgaria and Romania have proved they are part of Schengen, "showcasing best practices on both asylum and returns" of migrants, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament plenary sitting in Strasbourg, while pleading for welcoming the two countries without any further delay in the European free movement area.
"We stepped up border protection. European Agencies deepened their cooperation with Member States. Allow me to thank in particular Bulgaria and Romania for leading the way - showcasing best practices on both asylum and returns," said von der Leyen in her annual address on the State of the Union, in which she presented the report on her mandate as head of the EC.
"They have proved it: Bulgaria and Romania are part of our Schengen area. So let us finally bring them in - without any further delay," the European Commission President also said, quoted by Agerpres correspondent.
She also announced the organisation of an international conference on fighting people smuggling, pleading for the consolidation of the role of some agencies such as Europol, Eurojust and Frontex.
"We know that migration requires constant work. And nowhere is that more vital than in the fight against human smugglers. They attract desperate people with their lies. And put them on deadly routes across the desert, or on boats that are unfit for the sea," she said.
"The way these smugglers operate is continuously evolving. But our legislation is over twenty years old and needs an urgent update. So we need new legislation and a new governance structure," the EC President pointed out.
She pointed out the need of "stronger law enforcement, prosecution and a more prominent role for our agencies - Europol, Eurojust and Frontex."
"And we need to work with our partners to tackle this global plague of human trafficking. This is why the Commission will organise an International Conference on fighting people smuggling. It is time to put an end to this callous and criminal business!," she said.
President von der Leyen also highlighted the benefits of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
"When we took office, there seemed to be no possible compromise in sight. But with the Pact, we are striking a new balance. Between protecting borders and protecting people. Between sovereignty and solidarity. Between security and humanity. We listened to all Member States and focused on all routes. And we have translated the spirit of the Pact into practical solutions," she stressed.
"We were fast and united in responding to the hybrid attack that Belarus launched against us. We worked closely with our Western Balkan partners and reduced irregular flows. We have signed a partnership with Tunisia that brings mutual benefits beyond migration - from energy and education, to skills and security. And we now want to work on similar agreements with other countries," von der Leyen also said.
"Our work on migration is based on the conviction that unity is within our reach. An agreement on the pact has never been so close. Parliament and the Council have a historic opportunity to get it over the line. Let us show that Europe can manage migration effectively and with compassion. Let's get this done!," the EC President pleaded.
(Photo:https://www.europarl.europa.eu/)