It was yet another failed try this week at the Justice and Internal Affairs JAI Council for Romania and Bulgaria in their bids to be accepted into the Schengen area. The two countries still face opposition from some EU countries, which makes it impossible for the Council to accept the two new entrants, as all Schengen members must be unanimous in the decision.

The two countries are believed to have fulfilled all the criteria required in the Schengen acquis, which has been acknowledged by all member states and repeatedly mentioned in the JAI Council and in the European Council and Parliament.

In a recent statement, Romania and Bulgaria note that they have been ready to join the Schengen area since 2011, after having invested significantly and having made efforts on all levels to fulfil the requirements. “There is no reason, either judiciary or based on concrete realities, for a new delay in the decision,” reads their joint statement.

Both countries are still committed to join the free movement area and cooperate with other member states to reach this goal, and will ask for a new discussion when unanimity in the council is reached.

editor@romania-insider.com