Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has confidently announced that Romania will join the Schengen Area, including land borders, by the end of this year. This statement comes after a series of previous setbacks in the country’s attempts to fully integrate into the Schengen framework.
Key Takeaways
- Ciolacu asserts that Romania will enter Schengen with land borders by the end of 2024.
- The Prime Minister claims to have resolved previous issues that hindered Romania’s Schengen accession.
- Ongoing discussions with EU partners, particularly Austria, are crucial for this development.
Background on Schengen Membership
The Schengen Area allows for passport-free travel across member countries, significantly easing movement for citizens and tourists alike. Romania has been a part of the Schengen framework for air and maritime borders since March 31, 2024, but land border controls remain in place.
Ciolacu’s Assurance
During a recent interview on Romania TV, Ciolacu stated, "This year, Romania will enter Schengen with certainty." He emphasized that both he and key ministers have engaged in productive dialogues with European partners, particularly with Austrian officials, to facilitate this process.
Ciolacu’s confidence stems from what he describes as "more information" that supports his claims, although he refrained from providing specific details. He criticized the previous administration’s handling of the Schengen issue, suggesting that his government has made significant progress in overcoming past obstacles.
Challenges Ahead
Despite Ciolacu’s optimism, challenges remain. Austria has historically been a significant obstacle to Romania’s full Schengen membership, citing concerns over border security and migration management. The Austrian Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, recently indicated that while progress has been made, the time for Romania’s full admission is not yet ripe.
The Road to Full Membership
To achieve full Schengen membership, Romania must meet specific technical criteria, followed by a political decision from existing member states. The next meeting of the EU Council for Justice and Home Affairs is scheduled for December 12-13, where Romania’s status will likely be discussed.
Conclusion
As Romania approaches the end of the year, the government’s commitment to joining the Schengen Area with land borders remains a focal point of national policy. With ongoing negotiations and a determined leadership, the country is poised to make significant strides toward achieving this long-sought goal.
Sources
- Marcel Ciolacu: Cu certitudine anul acesta România va intra în Schengen terestru | Digi24, Digi24.
- România va adera la Schengen terestru în 2024. Marcel Ciolacu: „Cu certitudine” | adevarul.ro, Adevarul.
- Ciolacu este sigur, fără să intre în „detalii”: „Am rezolvat Schengen-ul. Anul acesta România va intra și cu granițele terestre, cu certitudine” – HotNews.ro, HotNews.ro.
- BREAKING Ciolacu: Anul acesta România va intra în Schengen terestru. Am mai multe informații. Nu aș vrea să intru mai mult în detalii, G4Media.ro.
- Ciolacu: Cu certitudine anul acesta România va intra în Schengen terestru, Mediafax.
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