No Schengen for 2 EU nations
Source: Agencies |
June 10, 2011, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE European Union decided yesterday to keep Bulgaria and Romania out of its borderless travel zone even though the two EU nations have met the required technical standards.
The move by EU interior ministers came amid increasing fears of illegal immigration and crime across the continent and put further pressure on the Schengen system of unfettered travel across 26 European nations.
The borderless travel system has already been hurt by Denmark's plan to restore customs checks and a public spat between Italy and France over thousands of Tunisian refugees flooding across the Mediterranean Sea.
Germany criticized Denmark yesterday for "coldly undermining" one of the cornerstones of EU unity. Along with the establishment of the euro currency, the Schengen zone is seen as one of the most important EU achievements.
Bulgaria and Romania were given a cold shoulder by the EU ministers only one day after the EU parliament voted that they were ready to join Schengen.
The Netherlands held off on any quick decision for the two, since there still was doubt whether they were strong enough to assure effective control of the external border of the Schengen zone. That doomed the move, which needs unanimity.
"It is too early to take a decision now, and it may take some time," said Dutch Immigration Minister Gerd Leers.
The matter will be reviewed in September.
The move by EU interior ministers came amid increasing fears of illegal immigration and crime across the continent and put further pressure on the Schengen system of unfettered travel across 26 European nations.
The borderless travel system has already been hurt by Denmark's plan to restore customs checks and a public spat between Italy and France over thousands of Tunisian refugees flooding across the Mediterranean Sea.
Germany criticized Denmark yesterday for "coldly undermining" one of the cornerstones of EU unity. Along with the establishment of the euro currency, the Schengen zone is seen as one of the most important EU achievements.
Bulgaria and Romania were given a cold shoulder by the EU ministers only one day after the EU parliament voted that they were ready to join Schengen.
The Netherlands held off on any quick decision for the two, since there still was doubt whether they were strong enough to assure effective control of the external border of the Schengen zone. That doomed the move, which needs unanimity.
"It is too early to take a decision now, and it may take some time," said Dutch Immigration Minister Gerd Leers.
The matter will be reviewed in September.
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