EP adopted the report on Bulgaria’s and Romania’s accession to Schengen

The European Parliament on 11^th of December approved by a large majority the report of the leader of the European Socialists, Sergei Stanishev, on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen on all borders. Stanishev described the decision as a serious success for Bulgaria and pointed out that for years the dual standard had been applied to the two countries that had met the membership criteria.

The European Parliament urged the Council of the European Union to immediately take a decision on the abolition of checks at the internal land, sea and air borders of Bulgaria and Romania. This was recorded in the resolution, backed by 514 MEPs. 107 voted against and 38 abstained.

Sergey Stanishev, PES president: The will of the Parliament is clear. I am pleased that this can be a new powerful tool in the hands of Bulgaria with regard to the European Council. Our countries have met the criteria for Schengen membership. A political game is being palyed. We are witnessing the application of a double standard to 30 million European citizens.

Stanishev also commented that passing the Schengen border, Bulgarians and Romanians feel like second-class citizens of the Union.

Sergei Stanishev, PES President: The European Council’s behaviour and lack of decision is not acceptable. Bulgaria and Romania should become full members of Schengen and it is important that this report is adopted now when an idea comes to momentum, about the partial accession by air and sea. And in an indefinite period of time in the future we will accept you with land borders. Yes, but not.

Such a report, which is an expression of the political will of the European Parliament, has been voted for the fifth time in the past 7 years. The decision, however, should be be taken by the Council of the European Union, which has so far failed to reach the necessary unanimity on the subject.