The Netherlands submitted to the EC a request for a new mission in Bulgaria because of Schengen – World

20 November 2023 18:24

The European Commission expressed its readiness to organize a new Schengen-related fact-checking mission in Bulgariaat the request of the Netherlands.

Rutte announced under what conditions he would support Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen

We confirm that The Netherlands requested further verification in Bulgaria before making its decision, EC spokesperson Anita Hipper pointed out. The Commission will continue to facilitates dialogue between the two countries and to do what is necessary so that a decision can be made as quickly as possible, she added.

The EC is of the opinion that Bulgaria and Romania meet the requirements for full Schengen accession. The Commission fully supports the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen, Hipper added.

Austria and the Netherlands, by refusing to admit us to Schengen, violate their obligations under the EU treaty

We have to see what will be the assessment of the European Commission in December. It must be an accurate and fair assessment, no sugarcoating, no glossing over. I know that EC President Ursula von der Leyen works within the limits of strictness and fairness. If the conditions are met – yes, if they are not – no, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte commented a month ago.

We only want the EC to say whether Bulgaria fulfills all the requirements. We want it to be honest. So far the EC has been very open about the advantages and disadvantages. No expense should be spared in the evaluation of the committee. If the EC considers that Bulgaria is ready – yes. We must hear the committee first, Rutte insisted.