„The final report of the Schengen evaluation group for Romania and Bulgaria was presented two days ago. Things are pretty clear. As far as Bulgaria is concerned, France, Germany and Finland had some reservations regarding its readiness and a new evaluation mission has been proposed, which our neighboring country has accepted and which will likely occur mid-March,” Baconschi said.
He added the report on Romania was positive all the way through and France only requested time to examine it.
„As far as Romania is concerned, the report is positive from A to Z, (…) but France had a reservation regarding its examination. In other words, they said ‘Let us read the report in detail and come up with any questions that may arise.’ So it’s a technical procedure that’ll like take until around January 21. The Schengen evaluation Group meets again on January 28,” said Baconschi, adding he is glad this meeting has confirmed Romania is ready to join the border-free Schengen area.
He also said he is confident Bulgaria will recover the lag and do well at the evaluation in March.