Romania Wants Fair, Even Stricter Treatment Regarding Schengen Accession – Interior Min

„Joining the Schengen Area and giving Romanian citizens the right to move freely within it is more than a commitment, it is a moral duty to the citizens,” Blaga said Wednesday at the annual meeting of Romanian diplomats.

Romania invested more than EUR1 billion, including European funds, to meet the technical demands of Schengen accession, said Blaga.

The minister said Romania has passed six of the seven missions evaluating its progress. „The principal conclusion of the six reports is that Romania is in an advanced stage of preparation and is generally ready to join [the Area],” he said. The seventh report, concerning land borders, will be re-evaluated.

According to Blaga, while each report included recommendations on further action, they also said in many instances Romania could serve as an example of good performance, including preparations for the maritime border.

The minister said it is unfair to try to connect Schengen Area accession to the issue of Roma, as the requirements Romania must meet are strictly technical.

„Romania will meet these requirements. All we ask is to be treated fairly, even stricter than the states that joined in the previous wave,” said Blaga, adding that Romania will be in charge of guarding the eastern border of an area of 500 million citizens.