President Klaus Iohannis reacted to the JAI Council vote in which Austria blocked Romania from joining the Schengen Agreement, saying Vienna’s position was “sad and unjustified” and risked affecting European unity.

Klaus JohannisPhoto: Presidency.ro

The reaction of the head of state came in a press release more than two hours after the decision made by the JAI Council.

Press statement of President Klaus Iohannis:

  • Today’s lack of consensus regarding Romania’s accession to Schengen, against the backdrop of Austria’s opposition, is deeply unfair to our country and the citizens of Romania.
  • Romania deserved to receive a positive vote. This is confirmed by reliable data, the results of the latest evaluation missions of member states and European institutions.
  • One member state has decided to ignore these realities and block European unanimity in a way that is unclear and difficult for the entire European Union to understand. Austria’s sad and unjustified position at today’s meeting risks affecting the European unity and togetherness that we so desperately need, especially in the current geopolitical context.
  • Romania will continue to act with responsibility, determination and integrity in the direction of strengthening the internal security of the European Union, as it has done so far.
  • I thank all the member states and the European Commission, which, recognizing Romania’s merits in ensuring the security of the EU’s external border and strengthening the European project, supported the accession of our country.
  • The support and solidarity expressed today was impressive, confirming the recognition that Romania enjoys in Europe.
  • Dear Romanians, Romania does not stop there!
  • Joining Schengen is our strategic goal and we will not stop until we achieve it.

Romania, which has been waiting for 11 years to join Schengen, this time is not included in the European free movement zone, although it had the support of 26 EU countries. Austria managed to block a favorable decision in the Council of the CIS, since unanimity is required to join Schengen. It was joined by the Netherlands on the condition that they oppose the accession of Bulgaria, and the vote was cast “together with Romania”.