Romania and Bulgaria postponed for entering the Schengen area

The Interior Minister of Germany declared that now it is not the right time for Romania and Bulgaria to become part of the travel free zone of Schengen. Mr. Hans-Peter Friedrich confirmed that the two countries are making progress, but the situation is such that the border controls for the two countries should still remain. According to the Interior Minister, the progress of Romania and Bulgaria as far as the Schengen application is concerned is appreciated but still not sufficient so that to meet all legal conditions that should be applied and that which allow for Romania and Bulgaria to enter the Schengen visa free travel area.

At the same time the official representative of Germany stated that he is not in the position of estimating how much more time would Romania and Bulgaria need and when will be the right and good moment for the Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen zone. The two countries are waiting to join the passport free no border area of Schengen after being members of the European Union for seven years already. Until now the joining of the two countries have been blocked at several occasions by different member states of the European Union.