Too much Croatia What Romania anyone Bulgaria technically prepared to participate. free roam area Schengen. This is what the European Commission proposed three weeks ago, considering that three countries meet the conditions for access to the world’s largest free movement zone, of which 22 out of 27 Member States are part, in addition to four. partners (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). But this Thursday, only one EU interior minister gave the green light: Croatia. Instead, Bulgaria and Romania will have to continue to wait. Austrian and Dutch veto.
Decision the necessary unanimity and only the unification of Croatia starting from January 1, 2023, the same date that it would join the euro, generated unanimity among the delegations. Despite being the last country to join the club, the Council confirmed in December last year that Zagreb met the requirements and its decision was not without controversy. This is not the case in Bulgaria and Romania. Both successfully completed the evaluation process 11 years ago, but resistance by some countries to their unification has slowed and delayed the process all these years.
The last report of the European Commission, three weeks ago, contained a positive recommendation for membership, which was not enough even for Austria, which justifies Austria’s refusal to accept either country. strong immigration pressure Neither for the Netherlands, which for the past few months has remained hesitant on the Western Balkans route, nor on the reunification of Bulgaria. “We can confirm Romania’s entry into Schengen, but Bulgaria needs to make more progress, especially in the rule of law elements,” Dutch diplomatic sources said.
disappointment in Brussels
The attitudes of both countries were met with disappointment and sadness in Brussels. “Citizens of Romania and Bulgaria deserve full membership of Schengen, they deserve access to free movement. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was disappointed and shared my disappointment with the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria” Ylva Johansson. “It’s clear that we are strong when we are united and we can achieve more” and that “we are not united right now and this weakens us,” he added, reassuring them that getting in would be a “priority”. “as soon as possible” and within the available authority.
Actually, his colleague, Vice President Margaret Schinasdoes not exclude that the issue will shift to the agenda of EU leaders at the summit on 15 December. “I am glad that Croatia’s efforts are appreciated,” he warned, but “today is a disappointing day for Romania and Bulgaria. Our efforts will not end there. The leaders will meet next week. A way forward must be found.” It is shared by the majority of Member States, including Spain. “The Schengen area is the pillar of the EU. There are three countries that have shown that they have fulfilled all the requirements to become full members of Schengen,” he said. Fernando Grande-MarlaskaIt reaffirms Spain’s “absolute” support for the accession of the three countries.