A meeting took place in Brussels between a Bulgarian parliamentary delegation including MPs from the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds and the Foreign Policy and Defense Committee: Monika Panayotova, Dobroslav Dimitrov, Meglena Plugchieva, Djevdet Chakyrov, Dimitar Chukarski, etc. and Carlos Coelho – Rappporteur on Schengen to the EP and the shadow rapporteurs. He stated that Bulgaria complies with the necessary criteria, in some aspects even more than certain member-states of the Schengen Area. He has been highly impressed with his latest visit to Bulgaria. Mr. Coelho highlighted that Bulgaria protects its sea borders better than the Mediterranean countries. “I am convinced enough in Bulgaria’s readiness to join Schengen to recommend that the EP come up with a positive statement.” he reckoned. According to him the European Parliament will vote the resolution for Bulgaria’s accession to the Shengen Area on the session of June, 6th. He noted that this EP session will precede the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council and the ministers will be informed of the EU statement. “I believe EP’s decision will be positive” – the MP added.”I shall not accept negative and/or different attitude by the Council.”- he pointed out. “As far as I know, presently the majority of EU Member-States are “pro” on the Bulgarian and Romanian accession to Schengen, with just two or three countries that have certain concerns. They might be justified but should not be an excuse for stopping the process”- he commented. “We are politicians and if we have issues we should discuss them and find the solutions.” In his opinion it is realistic that we join Schengen until the end of the year. “It used to be necessary to improve the control at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey but the required measures have been taken so there is no excuse for delaying the accession of the countries anymore.”- Mr. Coehlo commented. He expects objective rather than subjective attitude by the Member- States towards the two countries and fair application of the accession criteria to Bulgaria and Romania.
The Portuguese MEP added a provision to his report which will be presented before the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) on April, 12th. The provision requires that Bulgaria and Romania make a full analysis of the first six months after their accession to Scengen. He specified that this is not an additional condition.
The Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds Monika Panayotova reckoned that the Report on Bulgaria’s and Romania’s readiness for accession to Schengen is extremely positive for both countries.
“The document takes into account that Bulgaria complies with the technical criteria for the Schengen accession. Moreover, in certain aspects such as the sea borders security and control our country is better prepared. And it serves as a good practice example for Schengen Area members.”- explained Panayotova.
She pointed out that the MEPs will work for reaching a vast majority on the adoption of the Reports so that the European citizens’ voice be heard and to send out a strong message to the forthcoming Council in July. Ms Panayotova also appealed for no double standard and additional criteria.
“There is a recommendation in the report for creating a special package for North Africa action in response to the current tense situation.”- she added.
The Foreign Policy and Defense Committee Chair, Mr. Dobroslav Dimitrov, thanked the Rapporteur for the work done. He stressed on the fact that during the previous meeting with Mr. Coehlo at the end of March, Bulgaria had still been in the process of technical criteria fulfillment. Currently, this process is completed and our country is ready for rightful membership.
The Bulgarian MEP and Member of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) Ms Iliana Yotova underlined that all necessary steps be taken in order for the Schengen accession criteria not to be linked to the Correction and Verification Mechanism of the European Commission. Any attempts for the introduction of additional conditions and/or criteria (not used in previous accessions) must be hindered.