On 9th May 2011, a meeting was held in the National Assembly between Gunter Krichbaum, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs in the German Bundestag and Bulgarian MPs from CEAOF and FPDC. Topic of the discussion was “The Bulgarian accession to the Schengen Area”.

Monika Panayotova (Chairwoman of CEAOEF) greeted the distinguished guest. In her speech she emphasized that it is important for Bulgaria that Gunter Krichbaum and other German representatives should become acquainted with our country’s progress on Schengen in order to be able to make a realistic and objective assessment. She underlined that Bulgaria insists on clear and equal-for-all rules and that double standards should not be allowed. Ms Panayotova highlighted that there is a consensus between all Parliamentary groups about the Schengen cause. She also explained that every single euro is under double democratic control – firstly from the Parliament and secondly from the civil society. She concluded that the Bulgarian accession would give geopolitical added value to our region’s security.

Gunter Krichbaum argued that amongst all EU challenges, Schengen has a major role. He raised the issue that Bulgaria has already fulfilled the technical criteria but green light for accession has not been given yet. He explained that “Schengen is an area of freedom, security and law” and then wanted to know what the advantage of a technically secured border was if the officer working there is corrupt. Therefore, Germany would consider the European Commission Report (which is expected in July) first and then make a decision. Above all, he admitted that Bulgaria has made a significant progress and it has been taken into account.

Monika Panayotova remarked that the decisions are being made by the European Council and in this regard the European Commission is just an observer of the process. The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism lays within the prerogatives of the EC and it must not stand as an additional criterion for joining the Schengen Area. It has never happened during the previous enlargements of Schengen and its binding to the accession is irrelevant. In order to teach our citizens to play the European game, it should have rules, clear and equal for everyone.

Ms Panayotova continued with the question why the Bulgarian officers were considered corrupt or at least more corrupt than their colleagues in other Member States. She would not mention a specific country because by doing so she would have put herself into the same hypothesis of prejudice. She explained that as a young person her reactions were emotional and she could not allow negative image to be attributed to Bulgaria. She added that there is necessity of clear and measurable indicators.

Dobroslav Dimitrov (Chairman of FPDC) supported Monika Panayotova’s statements and explained that from Mr. Krichbaum’s position one might come up with the wrong impression that corruption in all other Member States is no longer a critical issue. More important is the permanent control and measures for reaction against corruption. He remarked that Bulgaria is in danger if the rest of the States have no control of their borders and reiterated the need for common rules.

Meglena Plugchieva, Deputy Chair of CEAOEF added that Bulgaria has made efforts to fulfill the Schengen criteria since our country’s accession to the EU and these efforts have just been finalized. She highlighted that the National Assembly unanimously stands up for this position. She reminded about the last EC Report which gave a positive assessment to the Bulgarian efforts. She expressed gratitude to Gunter Krichbaum for his critical solidarity and confidence that Bulgaria would become member of the Schengen Area by the end of 2011.

Gunter Krichbaum pointed that EU make a difference between the “day-to-day” corruption existing everywhere and the corruption at the highest level. He stressed upon the second one.
Krichbaum stated that Germany decisively supports Bulgaria for its Schengen accession but the problems have been marked by the EC and Germany has the right to take them into account.

Unal Lutvi, Member of FPDC, agreed with Mr. Krichbaum’s concerns about the highest-level corruption and stated that the problem could not be automatically solved. As a national consensus on Schengen exists, this is a reliable indicator for sustainable success. He questioned the German side’s trust in Bulgaria and expressed his believe that it would be regained by the Bulgaria Government.

Dobroslav Dimitrov reckoned that along with the consequences from the North Africa events, the debt crisis and budget deficits in some countries, the corruption itself is also an EU problem which should be mutually solved. And Bulgaria could be a reliable partner. He insisted that Bulgaria should be treated properly and fairly.

In conclusion, Mr. Krichbaum assured that if the EC July Report is generally positive, Germany would not hesitate to support the Bulgarian accession to Schengen Area. He expressed his hope that by the end of 2011 it would be possible. He underlined as well that the EU needs Bulgaria in regard to some very important for the Union issues, mentioning the geopolitical location of our country and the safety and security if the energy supplies.

Ms. Panayotova generalized that it is extremely important for Bulgaria that the Report be positive because it would give an assessment of the CVM effectiveness from 2007 to now, as well as the measures taken by the Bulgarian Government and the Judiciary system. In this regard, she shared her belief that Mr. Krichbaum’s critics would be taken into consideration by the Judicial Power. She underlined that as a parliamentarian, she finds important that the Council and the Member States listen to the European Parliament and the MEPs’ will. It represents the interests of 500 million European citizens and sends the following clear message: Bulgaria and Romania are technically ready to join the Schengen Aria and our country is an example of good practice, regarding the Black Sea border control.