site.btaRomania’s Foreign Minister: Romania Tries to Coordinate Closely with Bulgaria on Schengen Accession

Romania’s Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu Tuesday told Agerpres that her country is trying to coordinate closely with Bulgaria on the subject of accession to the Schengen area. She said that a political decision needs to be made and added that Romania is holding talks with Austria about her country's bid to join the European border-free zone.

"Romania is in contact with the Austrian side at all levels and this dialogue with Austria is carried out not only by us but by our EU partners as well. We have the support of several states. You have seen that the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area is on the agenda of discussions between several EU leaders. We are also holding talks with the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union," Odobescu added.

She also commented on the fact that some Schengen countries have tightened their border controls.

"In light of security risks, including at the European level – we all saw what happened in Brussels recently, when two Swedish nationals lost their lives in a terrorist attack – Schengen nations have temporarily reintroduced border controls. This is a temporary measure," Odobescu said. According to her, in this context, Romania’s accession to the Schengen area remains a priority on the agenda and will be discussed by the European Council in December.

"We continue the diplomatic efforts. It is too early to say what exactly we will do in December, but we are continuing the talks with all partners. We are trying to be in close coordination with the Bulgarian side," the Romanian Foreign Minister noted. 

Her comment comes against the backdrop of a visit to Vienna by Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov where he will be trying to convince the Austrian leaders to back the Schengen entry of his country.