EU Parliament President Urges Austria to Find a Solution to Let Romania Join Schengen
The issue of Romania’s accession to the Schengen Zone continues to be a matter of concern, with the European Union Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, urging Austria to find a solution that would allow Romania to join. The decision to block Romania’s entry into the Schengen Zone was made by authorities in Austria and the Netherlands in December last year due to concerns over illegal border crossings. However, Metsola is determined to convince Austria that a way out can be found.
A Delayed Membership
It has been eleven years since the EU Commission and the EU Parliament welcomed Romania and Bulgaria as members of the Schengen area. Despite meeting all the necessary requirements, Romania is still not part of the borderless Schengen Zone. Austria’s concerns have been the primary obstacle, but Metsola remains optimistic that a resolution can be reached.
The Importance of Agreement
Metsola emphasized the significance of reaching an agreement on asylum and a migration pact introduced by the European Union Commission. She expressed her hope that these agreements will be reached soon, as failure to do so could result in the reintroduction of internal border controls—an outcome that should be avoided. Metsola emphasized the need for all relevant facts to be considered in order to make the best decision possible.
Austria’s Border Controls
While Metsola discussed Romania’s potential membership in the Schengen Zone, she did not comment on Austria’s current border controls with Slovenia. Authorities in Austria recently announced the extension of controls at the country’s shared border with Slovenia for an additional six months, starting from May 11. This decision was met with opposition from authorities in Ljubljana and the EU.
Support from Other EU Countries
Despite the opposition from Austria and the Netherlands, other EU countries have consistently shown support for Romania’s inclusion in the Schengen Zone. During his visit to Bucharest, the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, reiterated Germany’s stance that Romania belongs in the Schengen Zone. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed his desire for Romania to join the Schengen Area during a meeting with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca. Moreover, the European Commission published the second State of Schengen Report on May 16, urging the Council to allow Romania and Bulgaria to become full members of the Schengen Zone this year.
Spain’s Call for Action
Authorities in Spain have joined the chorus of voices calling on Austria to unlock Romania’s full accession to the Schengen Area. The importance of Romania’s inclusion in the Schengen Zone is recognized, and efforts are being made to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to make it a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Austria’s decision to extend border controls at its shared border with Slovenia has been met with opposition from authorities in Ljubljana and the EU.
Germany, Spain, and several other EU countries have expressed their support for Romania’s accession to the Schengen Zone.
How long have Austria and the Netherlands been blocking Romania’s entry into the Schengen Zone?
The EU Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, wants to convince Austria to find a solution that would allow Romania to join the Schengen Zone.
Romania’s accession to the Schengen Zone was blocked by Austria and the Netherlands due to concerns over illegal border crossings.
