Barroso admitted that some states feel Romania’s ability to implement judicial reforms, as per the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), is an indicator of its ability to implement measures required by Schengen Area membership. He pointed out that the European Commission’s position is that there is no legal connection between the CVM criteria and Schengen requirements.
President Basescu added that the decision on Schengen Area accession will be taken in the Council of the EU and, since the Council’s members are politicians, will also have a political aspect.
Basescu said he informed Barroso of Romania’s progress in the CVM and the country’s preparations for Schengen Area membership, and he welcomed the Commission’s future involvement in managing the risks of economic failure in member states.