Bulgarian entry into Schengen dimmed by Norway

Norway declared that it is not willing to accept Bulgaria and Romania as new members of the Schengen zone. The passport-free travel area might become a mirage for Bulgaria and Romania since Norway opposed the enlargement of the Schengen agreement. This news came in August, as the two countries were preparing for the discussions in December. However, Romania and Bulgaria are technically ready for their accession. Even so, the Norwegian politicians thing that the Schengen membership should be denied as the visa-free zone will face a higher crime situation. The politicians from Norway understand that the problems are made by the Roma population from Romania and Bulgaria and not by the regular citizens, but still the issue remains.

According to the European Commission, both Bulgaria and Romania are ready to enter the Schengen zone. The two countries have followed all the requirements that were set in order to be accepted in the borderless area. Currently Norway, the Netherlands and some of the other older members of the European Union are not willing to accept Romania and Bulgaria as new members of the Schengen zone. Their position is based on the grounds of corruption, lack of progress that concerns the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism and poor border control.