Romanian political leaders respond to Austria’s ‘unfair’ decision to block Romania’s Schengen accession
Romanian political leaders reacted to Austria's decision to vote against accepting Romania into the border-free Schengen zone at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on December 8. But they also assured Romania would continue on this path,…
Irina Marica · Journalist
· Updated · 4 min read
Romanian political leaders reacted to Austria's decision to vote against accepting Romania into the border-free Schengen zone at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on December 8. But they also assured Romania would continue on this path, as joining Schengen is still a crucial goal for the country.
President Klaus Iohannis said Romania deserved to receive a favorable vote from all EU interior ministers and called Thursday's lack of consensus "profoundly unfair." A single member state decided to block European unanimity and, according to the Romanian leader, the "regrettable and unjustified attitude of Austria" risks affecting "European unity and cohesion, which we need so much, especially in the current geopolitical context."
"Romania will continue to act responsibly, decisively, and in good faith in the direction of strengthening the internal security of the European Union, as it has done so far," president Iohannis said.
He also thanked the member states that supported Romania's accession to Schengen, which he said is a strategic objective the country will surely achieve.
Prime minister Nicolae Ciuca also expressed "deep disappointment" after the December 8 vote on Romania's accession to the Schengen area but also thanked the European Parliament and Commission and the other European partners for their support in this effort.
"All the European states agreed to open the Schengen area gates to Romanians, as a recognition of our preparation, but also of the continuous efforts, for years, to protect the external European borders. All, with one unjustified exception, Austria," the PM said.
According to him, Austria's decision to block Romania's bid was based on figures that Romania "has clearly proven to be incorrect."
"We have recognized the difficulties of the member states that are under migratory pressure, and we have always acted in solidarity and actively to find solutions at a European level. Only together can we solve these problems. We had concrete proposals for our partners and worked intensively with the European Commission to respond to these concerns. We regret and frankly do not understand the inflexible position of Austria," prime minister Ciuca explained.
And similar to the president's comment, the PM also said that Thursday's vote would not stop Romania, which will resume the process of accession to the Schengen area. "Romania's accession remains a strategic national objective, and we will continue all discussions and negotiations to achieve this goal."
