Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner argues that it would be wrong to set a specific date for Romania’s full accession to the Schengen Area, stating that collaboration will continue to improve the Schengen system.
„We all know that there is a great pressure of illegal migration in Europe. We have common interests here, we have launched joint initiatives precisely to strengthen this system,” he said.
Gerhard Karner was asked on Tuesday at a press conference held in Vienna what Romania still needs to do to in order to enter Schengen with its land borders.
"I want to speak clearly. Indeed, I did not directly blame Bulgaria and Romania for anything. A year and a half ago, I said that a system that does not work cannot be expanded. That is why I made that decision at the time.
Bulgaria and Romania are very important partners for Austria when it comes to putting pressure on the European Commission to improve the Schengen system. Our efforts have already borne fruit.
You probably know that the Frontex director has already announced increased operations, even tripling Frontex officers in these countries. We also have confirmation from the European Commission that more funds will be invested in Romania and Bulgaria for these purposes, and I believe that this is a very important step," stated the Austrian Interior Minister.
He announced that he will continue to improve the Schengen system.
"We will continue to collaborate to improve the Schengen system. We all know that there is a great pressure of illegal migration in Europe.
Therefore, we have common interests here, we have launched joint initiatives precisely to strengthen this system. Currently, there are other Schengen member countries with controls at land borders because we, the Interior Ministers, are responsible for the safety of our citizens.
There are controls in Germany, France, and Austria. We must do everything possible to remedy the security situation in the European Union, to continue guaranteeing freedom of movement for our citizens, but I believe that at this time it would be wrong to set a specific date in this regard," Gerhard Karner conveyed.
Romanians traveling by plane and ships to Schengen countries will no longer have to go through air and maritime border controls starting Sunday, March 31.
There are no other additional obligations, but Border Police will continue to be present at airports and carry out checks if they have any suspicions.