High time for Bulgaria and Romania to join Schengen

“With Bulgaria and Romania joining Schengen, we can better protect our external borders and strengthen the whole Schengen area. Let us continue the Schengen success story and finally bring Bulgaria and Romania on board. They fulfil all the requirements, it is time to deliver”, said EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber MEP during the debate in the plenary of the European Parliament on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area.

The European Parliament has not stopped calling for the enlargement of the Schengen area that is at the very heart of the EU project. “Schengen is a great success story for Europe. It has broken down barriers, brought European citizens closer together and strengthened our European economy”, continued Weber.

“The EPP is, since 2011, the champion of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen. They have proven to be more than ready to fully join Schengen, having dealt with migration crises, pandemic restrictions and now the arrival of millions of war refugees in an exemplary way under immense pressure. Why do the Member States continue to turn their backs on them?”, asked Paulo Rangel MEP, EPP Group Vice-Chair, responsible for the functioning of the Schengen area in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.

“This is unacceptable”, underlined Weber. “We, the EPP, strongly support Bulgaria and Romania becoming Members of Schengen and we have always fought for this endeavour. Bulgaria and Romania’s place is within Schengen! We call on the Council to finally grant Bulgaria and Romania the access they deserve. The years of waiting must come to an end. We need action, not more excuses!”