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Belgian PM: For there to be agreement on Romania's accession to Schengen Area, all parties must be convinced
Belgian prime minister Alexander de Croo said on Wednesday, when asked about the prospect of our country not joining the Schengen Area by the end of the year, when Belgium takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, that in order to reach an agreement, all parties involved must be convinced.
Alexander de Croo congratulated Romania on its progress on the Schengen accession dossier.
"It is always easier to point out the shortcomings than the enormous effort made so far and I think we should praise the latter more often. In order to reach an agreement, all parties involved have to be convinced (...) As for Austria's concerns, let's confront them, explain the situation, explain the progress so far, listen to what concerns they [the Austrian officials - ed.n.] have and see what solutions we can find. We, as the rotating presidency [of the Council of the European Union - ed.n.], will do next year what the Belgians are best at - find a compromise solution, bring everyone to the negotiating table and convince all parties involved that a common position is in everyone's interest," the senior official told a joint press conference with Romanian president Klaus Iohannis.
He added that particular attention will be paid to consultations with the EU executive in this regard.