The European Commission on Wednesday (November 16) again called on EU countries to accept the full integration of Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania into the Schengen zone, a vast area of free movement that allows travel without border controls. The Commission asks the EU Council, which unites the 27 member states.take the necessary decisions without further delay to allow (these three countries) full participation in the Schengen area“, says the press release.
The European executive has been calling for this expansion for a long time, also with the support of the European Parliament. But some reluctant member states are calling for progress in the fight against corruption. EU justice and home affairs ministers are due to vote on the issue at a meeting scheduled for December 8. The unanimity of the 27 is necessary to allow the abolition of border controls with these three countries.
On Wednesday, the Commission emphasized that they meet the necessary rules and membership criteria. The elimination of internal borders, as a consequence, has the strengthening of the external borders of the Schengen area. member states within its borders are obliged to organize strict controls within those borders. It also includes police cooperation between all members to fight organized crime or terrorism by sharing data.
“While Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania are already partially subject to the rules of the Schengen area, internal border controls with these EU member states have not been lifted and therefore they do not enjoy the benefits.related to this participation, the Commission pointed out on Wednesday.
Schengen Area”enlargement without internal border controls will make Europe safer through enhanced protection of our common external borders and effective police cooperation, more prosperous by eliminating time wasted at borders and making business easier.“, – asks the European executive.
The Schengen zone, one of the most concrete achievements of the European Union, is the area where it is possible to travel without a passport and where border controls have been abolished in principle. It unites 26 countries representing 420 million inhabitants, including 22 EU members and four associated states: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Source: Le Figaro
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