Romania is making diplomatic efforts on all fronts, both at the Ministry of Interior, and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other organisations so that in 2024 the objective of entering the Schengen area with land borders will be achieved, according to Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu.
He was asked on Thursday at a news conference at the Government House when Romania will enter the Schengen area with the land borders.
“Romania should have entered the Schengen area a long time ago. Unfortunately, there is no precise date stipulated in the treaties, but there are criteria that are stipulated. The criteria have long been met. As you know, last year there was a decision on the air and sea borders and this year we are making diplomatic efforts on all fronts, both at the Ministry of Interior, and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other organisations to succeed in achieving the goal this year. (…) Joining the Schengen area is a decision that, according to the treaties, is taken unanimously and is not only related to the efforts made by Romania. We continue to make efforts in our field of power,” said Predoiu
He added that the main thing Romania has to do is to keep illegal migration at an as low level as possible.
“And I want to inform you about the fact that over the last 12 months, Romania has cut illegal migration by 72% – you can see the Schengen barometers, which are posted on the website of the European Union, the European Commission. (…) Repeatedly and openly, the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council recognises that and even mentions Romania as an example of good practice in combatting illegal migration and co-operation at the borders with all its neighbours. And not only with the neighbours. There is also direct co-operation with Austria. That is, if you will, the basis of our diplomatic approach, because it is difficult to make progress on words alone. We must back it up with deeds, and that’s what we are doing.”
Predoiu went on to say that being a decision that is taken unanimously and that all countries must vote, “no minister, no country can offer assurances and guarantees, because it would mean assuming the position of all the other countries on the decision, on the votes.”
He mentioned that the Schengen issue will also be discussed on the agenda of the JHA Council this autumn.