Prime Minister Nicolae Cuke says that Romania’s accession to the Schengen zone is on the agenda of the Swedish presidency of the European Union, reports Agerpres.
“I discussed. Yesterday I was in the Swedish embassy, which provides the presidency of the EU. We have a clear confirmation that the accession to Schengen is on the working agenda of the Swedish presidency,” Prime Minister Nicolae Chuke said on Antena 3.
He also revealed that “we are discussing at the level of technical experts with the Austrian side, with all those who can facilitate and support us” in this endeavor.
On Thursday, at the Swedish embassy in Bucharest, Nicolae Chuke met with EU ambassadors accredited to Romania in the context of this country’s presidency of the EU Council.
Romania, which has been waiting 11 years to join Schengen, did not join the European Free Movement Area last year, although it had the support of 26 EU member states. On December 8, 2022, the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JAI) of the European Union rejected the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen and accepted only Croatia’s request. 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”.
The first meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council under Sweden’s presidency of the Council of the European Union took place at the end of January, but it was informal. The first official meeting of the Yuvs Council is scheduled for March 9-10 in Brussels.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said last month that he understands the frustrations of Romania and Bulgaria, which he believes are justified, and that he wants to include the subject of Schengen expansion on the agenda of the JAI Council.
From January 1 to June 30, 2023, Sweden holds the presidency of the Council of the EU. This is followed by Spain – July-December 2023, Belgium – January-June 2024 and Hungary – July-December 2024.
- Read also: When will Romania join Schengen? Response from the European Commissioner for Home Affairs / Concerns about the figures provided by Austria and the Netherlands
Source: Hot News
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