Friday 23 September 2011

EU Keeps Bulgaria, Romania Out Of Schengen Free Travel Zone

 

The Netherlands and Finland have blocked the entry of new members of the European Union, Bulgaria and Romania, to the Schengen zone, where travel for citizens are allowed without passports. The decision not to allow Bulgaria and Romania came at the EU interior ministers meeting without a vote, with the main objections from the Netherlands and Finland. The issue of Bulgaria and Romania could possibly be discussed in the summit meeting of EU next month, with the two countries planning to appeal against the decision. Nevertheless, no decision is expected soon until reports show progress on issues raised against the two nations. The Netherlands and Finland believe the new members need to do much more to qualify for inclusion into the Schengen zone, specifically on corruption and judicial functioning. The Dutch Immigration Minister feels it "...a matter of trust and confidence that our collective external borders will be safe and secure." Leers averred that right now there were "significant shortcomings in the field of anti-corruption and the fight against organized crime" in these two countries.

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