Germany Says Romania Should Enter Schengen Zone

Olaf Scholz (German Chancellor) has expressed support to Romanian leaders for their accession to Schengen Zone.

Scholz made these comments during his visit to Bucharest. He met with Klaus Iohannis, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca and Maia Sandu from Moldova.

"Germany is firmly on Romania's side. This also means (...) the goal of Romania finally obtaining full Schengen membership this year," Scholz said in a press statement with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis.

President Iohannis also believes that Romania's accession into the Schengen Zone will further strengthen it.

Iohannis stated that Romania fulfills its role of a guarantor for security at the border. He also stressed that this is something Europe recognizes, and that joining Schengen Zone will strengthen this area.

After talks with Scholz, Nicolae Ciuca, Romania's Prime Minister, welcomed Germany's support for Romania's accession into the Schengen Zone.

Both countries' authorities stressed the importance of completing the EU enlargement and fulfilling their commitments to the Western Balkans.

Recent statements by Spanish authorities supported Romania's bid to become the latest Schengen member.

Fernando Grande-Marlaska from Spain, the Foreign Minister, reiterated the support of his country for Bulgaria and Romania's accession into the Schengen Zone during his visit to Bucharest.

Following a meeting with his counterparts from Romania and Bulgaria, he made these comments ahead of the Spanish Presidency in the second half this year.

"We will work as hard as possible to unlock this issue, and I am confident that the formal meeting of the Council of Interior Ministers scheduled for next September will be the moment to finally achieve results," Grande-Marlaska stated.

Since years, both Bulgaria and Romania have tried to join the Schengen Zone. However, this process has not been completed. Austria stopped the accession to the Schengen Zone of the two Balkan countries last year.

After concerns about illegal migration from Bulgaria and Romania, Austria opposed Romania's accession at Schengen.

Last month Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria, stated that both Romanian and Bulgaria are open to joining the Schengen Area. He also disassociated himself from comments made by Karl Nehammer (the country's chancellor), who said that he remains against further expansion of Schengen.

Source: schengenvisainfo.com