Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania, "ready" to join the Schengen Area, the EC gives the green light

2022-11-16 12:25:40Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania, "ready" to join the Schengen Area, the

Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania are "ready" to join the passport-free Schengen Area after meeting all the necessary criteria, the European Commission said.

An expanded Schengen will make Europe "safer, more prosperous and more attractive", the executive said on Wednesday, calling on member states to accept the three candidates. The categorical approval comes on the eve of a meeting of interior ministers in December, where the issue of Schengen admission was decided to return to the table.

Schengen membership requires, among other things, the application of common rules, proper management of external borders, exchange of security information and efficient police cooperation. A unanimous vote is required for the admission of new members.

Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania have been waiting years to join the passport-free zone, which currently includes 26 countries, including 22 EU countries, and almost 420 million citizens.

In the case of Bulgaria and Romania, the wait has been extended to more than a decade. The Commission confirmed the readiness of the countries in 2011 and has repeatedly called on member countries to allow membership.


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