Balkans | “Why is the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen not among the priorities of the Swedish presidency?” 

During the discussions on the priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it was revealed that two important issues, namely the expansion of the Schengen Area towards Bulgaria and Romania and the integration of the Western Balkans, were not included in the priority axes.

For this reason, MEP Ilhan Kucuk expressed his discomfort with the agenda of the Swedish presidency and criticized it in his speech from the rostrum of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The leader of the European liberals said: “Mr. Prime Minister, there are two issues that are not among the priorities of the Swedish presidency. One of the issues is the future of Schengen – Bulgaria and Romania should finally be part of the Schengen area. Why is this not part of the agenda of the Swedish presidency? How to win the hearts and minds of my citizens European Union? How will the European project in 2024 be a project that represents democracy, the rule of law, high democratic standards and progress in the future? How is all this done? If Bulgaria and Romania do not enter Schengen, it is not possible!”

In his speech, the EU deputy emphasized that the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU is also important, but it is not on the agenda of the Swedish presidency.

Kuçuk said, “The question of Western Balkan integration is very important. Will the Swedish presidency ensure a good continuation of the policies of the previous period, the Czech and all other presidential terms that put the Western Balkan issue at the heart of their politics?”

According to Kujuk’s statement, this is not only a matter of the European Union, but a geopolitical issue that requires serious thought and study, regardless of who holds the presidency of the European Union.

Source: CardZhalNews