Balkans | AP: Bulgaria and Romania must join Schengen by the end of the year

The European Union Parliament (EP) supported a new invitation for Bulgaria and Romania to join Schengen, by 526 votes in favor, 57 against and 42 abstentions.

Thus, after announcing the readiness of the two countries in 2011, MEPs again insisted that the European Council reach a unanimous vote.

The EU states that Bulgaria and Romania’s non-Schengen entry is a significant social and economic burden for businesses and citizens of both countries, while citizens of Bulgaria and Romania face delays, excessive bureaucratic burdens, and additional costs when traveling or doing business. abroad compared to citizens of the Schengen countries. that vetoing Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area could lead to anti-EU and anti-Russian propaganda in these countries and reduce confidence in the EU and its institutions, and that identity checks are trade costs of goods at each Schengen border, considers the value of trade It increased by about 0.4 percent to 0.9 percent.

According to the European Parliament, Austria’s statements that it does not support Schengen enlargement are not related to the conditions put in place. It was noted that the European Commission also called on the European Council to take all necessary decisions without further delay for Bulgaria and Romania to become full members of the Schengen Area.

In addition, 46,000 tons of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere annually due to the ongoing controls at the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. It is noteworthy that Bulgaria and Romania reported significant financial losses in the past 11 years.

The European Parliament says the lack of consensus in the European Council relates to national political campaigns, not the actual conditions for participation. MEPs urge the European Commission to look into potential breaches of the Treaty on European Union and the European Council to fulfill its commitments to wholehearted cooperation. According to the European Parliament, the failure to accept the parties violates the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights on Human Dignity, the right to liberty and security, equality before the law, protection of the environment, and freedom of movement. He called on the next European Council to vote before the end of the year and avoid abuse of the veto. The European Commission has been invited to assess the financial losses, foregone benefits and environmental damage suffered by Bulgaria and Romania after 2011, and to propose options for financial compensation.

source: CardZhalNews