Balkans | Banning Bulgaria and Romania from Schengen membership undermines EU solidarity.

“The decision to deprive Bulgaria and Romania of Schengen membership is unfair and undermines the EU’s principles of solidarity and unity,” Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said in a phone call with European Council President Charles Michel.

At the initiative of Charles Michel, the meeting was held to discuss preparations for the 45th Annual Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to be held on December 14, as well as the regular meeting of the European Council on December 15. The President will represent our country in both forums that will be held in Brussels.

Regarding the expected discussion among European leaders about enlarging the Schengen Area, Radev stated that it is unacceptable to impose additional conditions for membership, such as bindings on the subject of the rule of law, which fall outside the objective criteria for membership. With regard to the growing flow of migration to Europe, the President noted that an effective reform of the Schengen system should include the accession of countries located at the external borders of the European Union, and not its prevention. “The efforts of countries on the front lines must be intensified,” Radev called. The president noted that our country continues to invest significant financial and human resources in border protection. The president expressed the hope that the issue of Schengen enlargement will remain a priority during Sweden’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will begin in January next year.

Regarding the upcoming discussion on energy issues, Radev said that the possibility of expanding gas pipeline networks to access additional resources, especially liquefied gas terminals, should be discussed with EU partners.

source: CardZhalNews