Ursula von der Leyen: Bulgaria and Romania proved they are part of Schengen area

Ursula von der Leyen: Bulgaria and Romania proved they are part of Schengen area

Bulgaria and Romania have proved they are part of Schengen, “showcasing best practices on both asylum and returns” of migrants, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament plenary sitting in Strasbourg, while pleading for welcoming the two countries without any further delay in the European free movement area, told Agerpres.

“We stepped up border protection. European Agencies deepened their cooperation with Member States. Allow me to thank in particular Bulgaria and Romania for leading the way – showcasing best practices on both asylum and returns,” said von der Leyen in her annual address on the State of the Union, in which she presented the report on her mandate as head of the EC.

“They have proved it: Bulgaria and Romania are part of our Schengen area. So let us finally bring them in – without any further delay,” the European Commission President also said.