schengen area

Romania has been accepted into the Schengen Area. The decision was made on Thursday at the JHA Council in Brussels. The official announcement will be made by the authorities at the end of the meeting.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated on Tuesday that both him and the Government need to collaborate to finalize Romania’s long-awaited accession to the Schengen Area, which he says is “not possible without consensus”.

European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker stated on Friday that he had numerous talks with the prime minister of Netherlands in which he informed him that Romania is prepared to accede to the Schengen Area, and that he is waiting for “progresses” from the latter.

Romania is not prepared to accept postponement of the date of accession in the Schengen area, President Traian Basescu told the Financial Times in an interview, which also touched on Romania’s role in the EU, its relations with Russia and the Republic of Moldova and the anti-missile shield.

Romanian Administration and Interior Minister Vasile Blaga said Thursday Romania is ready to join the Schengen area, adding the Government must make real efforts to solve infrastructure problems that represent the country’s vulnerable points.