Germany: Not accepting Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen is a big mistake
We fought until the last moment for a different decision, announced Foreign Minister Analena Berbok
German Foreign Minister Analena Berbock said in an interview with the Romanian private TV channel Digi 24 that Romania’s accession to Schengen is imminent and she described as a “big disappointment” and a big mistake the failure to reach an agreement on this matter at the Justice and Home Affairs Council works on December 8, broadcasts BTA.
She emphasizes that Romania and Bulgaria have done a lot to prepare for joining the Schengen area.
“Especially Romania is making a lot of efforts and fulfills all the criteria. Therefore, the fact that the accession did not happen now is a great disappointment. We fought until the last moment for a different solution. On December 8, on the way to Ireland, I spoke on the plane with my Austrian colleague Also, the Federal Minister of the Interior made every effort in Brussels. And Chancellor (Olaf) Scholz stepped in. In my opinion, the fact that no agreement was reached was a big mistake in European and geopolitical terms. It is even more important now that Although this year this was not possible: the Council did not say ‘no’, it simply did not say ‘yes’ yet. I am convinced that accession to Schengen will follow. To this end, it is important that I quickly put this issue back on the agenda order of the EU,” Berbok pointed out.
When asked how united Europe is when something like the veto against the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen happens, which creates problems for the solidarity and security of the EU, the German foreign minister emphasizes that “Europe is strong when it is united”.
“This year, which has been largely terrible, we have found – Europe is much stronger and more united than we think. Together with my Romanian colleague Bogdan Aurescu, we achieved a lot. Romania – Moldova. Putin wanted to create a rift between our societies, but he failed. Despite all his attempts at blackmail, playing with the gas valve or through deliberate misinformation, we will not be divided. Therefore, my answer to your question is the following: we demonstrate above all under low alliance formats that we are united and stronger than ever”, produces Berbok.