Kelemen Hunor claims that Austria’s blocking of Romania’s entry into Schengen is a “pathetic decision”. Marcel Cholaku also says it’s “a free Christmas present for Vladimir Putin.”

The leaders of the UDMR and PSD reacted after the vote in the JAI Council, in which Austria voted against Romania.

Kelemen Hunor, President of UDMR:

• “Austria’s veto is an incorrect, immoral position, devoid of valid arguments, and demonstrates a pathetic political game. Yes, this is a deplorable decision against every Romanian citizen, against all communities in Romania, against common sense, against the laws regulating freedom of movement in the European Union. For 11 years, Romania has met all the criteria for joining the Schengen zone, has the support of all member states, and Austria, with this hypocritical decision, once again shows that common rules and values ​​can be violated.
• Romania will continue to fight for this right, it must do so with dignity, courage, without any compromises and without succumbing to pitiful blackmail from Austria.
• In these difficult and difficult times, it is necessary to strengthen European solidarity, not exclusion. This solidarity is needed not only by Romania, but also by the entire European Union.”

Marcel Cholaku, PSD President:

• “The vast majority of the member states of the European Union declared today that Romania deserves to be in Schengen! The vast majority of EU countries recognized Romania’s incredible efforts to achieve this goal! I thank all these true friends of our country!

• Unfortunately, in addition to the opportunistic vote of the Netherlands, which indicated that they were not against Romania, the right-wing government of Austria today decided to be against European Union.

• Austria’s dishonest opposition is a free Christmas present for Vladimir Putin. Today, European unity and stability have received a heavy blow from a state that, in difficult times, decided to leave its European comrades and instead serve the interests of Russia.

• It is clear that Austria broke away from Europe. Austria will definitely have consequences after this absurd vote! European states will not forget that today’s decision of the right-wing Austrian government has serious consequences for the European future.

• Romania does not need Austria’s permission! We just want to be treated fairly, with the respect due to any other European state!”

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”.