Dutch lawmakers opposed to accepting Romania, Bulgaria in Schengen

Dutch lawmakers are opposed to Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen passport-free area, citing organized crime and corruption.

In a resolution adopted on Thursday, lawmakers asked the government „not to take irreversible steps” regarding the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area until it carries out „further investigations into the border surveillance and about the decline in corruption and organized crime in both countries.”

They claim that investigations by EU experts on the rule of law, corruption and organized crime are “of a limited scope” and called on their own government to carry out its own inquiries.

The resolution came after the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Oct. 18 saying the Council should allow Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen free movement area by the end of 2022.

Some Romanian politicians have reacted angrily to the vote in the Dutch parliament saying a refusal will fuel anti-European sentiment.

Expanding the Schengen area requires a unanimous decision of the EU Council and the Netherlands could scupper Romania and Bulgaria’s chances despite the widespread European support

Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said that Romanian authorities have already invited  Dutch officials to conduct investigations on what they consider problematic areas.

He says Romania has met all requirements to join Schengen and says  EU officials recently gave the green light to the country’s longstanding Schengen bid.

Currently, among the EU member countries, only Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are not part of the Schengen area. Non-EU members Ireland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are members.

Obtuzitatea olandeză pe Schengen nu trebuie să ne întunece mintea

 

LĂSAȚI UN MESAJ

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