Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to the Schengen zone has once again been postponed and the European Council will reconsider the decision in March 2012.
EU leaders’ expectations that they would announce the Schengen zone enlargement at the European Council meeting in Brussels on Friday did not come true since the Netherlands opposed the decision, Bulgarian media have reported.
All other 24 Schengen zone member states support Bulgaria and Romania’s accession.
“All conditions have been fulfilled, which allows the decision on Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to the Schengen zone to be made and the European Council proposes to do so as soon as possible. If necessary, the EU will reconsider the issue in March 2012,” reads a draft that will be adopted at the EU leaders’ summit on Friday.
The Netherlands believes that Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to the Schengen zone should not be supported in this phase because they still need to take some very important steps in combat against crime and corruption.
According to earlier announcements, the Schengen area will open its sea and air borders to Bulgaria and Romania in March 2012 and land borders in July.
All member states need to give their consent in order for a new country to join the Schengen area.
Source:Tanjug
