site.btaBulgarian PM Borissov Hopes for Simultaneous Admission to Schengen Area of Bulgaria, Romania

Brussels, February 23 (BTA corr. Nikolay Jeliazkov) - Speaking to Bulgarian reporters here on Friday, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that he hopes for a simultaneous admission to the Schengen Area of Bulgaria and Romania. Borissov was responding to a reporter's question related to the recent developments in Romania.

"Bulgaria and Romania have passed through different periods, there were times when Romania was ahead of Bulgaria, and also times when Bulgaria was ahead of Romania. The two countries joined the EU together. Romania is Bulgaria's neghbour and we must do everything for the two countries advance together and help each other. Our strength in the region is unity, support and prosperity. Together with our Romanian colleagues we must do so that neither holds up the other, but that we help each other and advance together," Borissov said.

The Prime Minister once again repeated that Bulgaria and Romania may join the Schengen Area with air and maritime borders "immediately or within the Bulgarian EU Presidency". In his words, "the egoistical risk comes on account of the land borders because when Bulgaria becomes an external Schengen border, there is nowhere to stop migrants going as far as Amsterdam, so that many countries are afraid to support Bulgaria's admission to the Schengen Area with the land borders".

Borissov said that the chairperson of one of the parties in the Dutch coalition government is expected in Bulgaria on April 4 and 5. The guest will also visit the Bulgarian border, Borissov said.