Romania continues to participate in negotiations to join the Schengen area, but the reality is that the free movement zone is no longer operational.
This was stated by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday before the start of the European Council meeting, his statement leads Euractivewrites “European Truth”.
Romania aims to join Schengen, but cannot do so due to Austria’s veto. Vienna cites rising migration rates and demands Bucharest take steps to overcome the problem.
Bulgaria fears the strengthening of pro-Russian forces if it refuses Schengen
“We know very well that we meet all the criteria of the Schengen area,” Iohannis said in Brussels.
However, he noted that “the Schengen zone is no longer functioning.”
“Schengen is no longer functional and almost non-existent as many states, including in Central Europe, have closed their borders due to migration,” Iohannis said.
He stressed that the dialogue about Romania joining the free border zone is becoming “more and more strange”, and Austria’s position on the expansion of Schengen is “at least” puzzling.
Several Central European countries have recently introduced controls on their borders due to the increase in the number of illegal immigrants.
President Iohannis stressed that reform of the Schengen area can be implemented after Romania becomes a member.
Regarding the possibility of legal action against Austria, Iohannis noted that “this is a very complex legal issue.”
“We could not find two lawyers who would have the same opinion on this matter,” noted the Romanian president.
Let us remind you that in Romania discussing Austria’s response, which is against its admission to the Schengen zone.
Earlier, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolaku said that will sue Austria in the EU Court of Justice and will demand compensation if Vienna again blocks Bucharest’s entry into the Schengen zone.
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2023-10-27 06:17:00
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