Balkans | The European Union agrees to Croatia’s accession to the Schengen Area

The European Union (EU) has approved Croatia’s accession to the visa-free travel area, Schengen.

European Union Vet Rakosan, Minister of the Interior and President of the Czech Republic, and Ylva Johansson, member of the European Union Commission responsible for internal affairs, made a statement to the press during the meeting of the EU interior ministers.

Rakosan, Ministers of Croatia to the Schengen area He declared his consent to participate.

Referring to the refusal decision taken by Romania and Bulgaria after the Austrian veto, Rakosan said, “I think that Romania and Bulgaria are ready to join the Schengen membership as well.” Use the phrase.

Johansson stated that he was disappointed by this and addressed the citizens of both countries.

“You also deserve to be a member of Schengen and have freedom of movement. You have the support of many member states.” Johansson stressed that the accession of the two countries will remain a top priority.

Austria, Bulgaria and Romania, where asylum applications have increased dramatically recently, are concerned about the increase in irregular migration of people entering the country.

For the expansion of Schengen, the consensus of the member states is required.

The Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Schengen Area in 2007.

Switzerland, which is not a member of the European Union, was also included in 2008.

Citizens of more than 60 countries can travel visa-free to the Schengen Area, which includes 27 member states with Croatia joining. Visas are required by citizens of more than 100 countries.

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