Romania and Bulgaria meet the technical criteria for Schengen accession, but the admission decision of the two countries into the area of the free movement is political, the European Commission sated , according to Mediafax.
Bulgaria and Romania fulfill the criteria for Schengen accession , but the decision does not belong to the European Commission, said Natasha Bertaud, EC spokesperson.
"This is not a decision to be taken by the European Commission, it is a political decision to be taken by the EU Council and the European Council," Natasha Bertaud said, according to its website Novinite.com
A few hours, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Kuneva said that the accession of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area is part of the solution to overcome the crisis of the European Union immigrants. "The admission of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen system of the free movement is part of the common EU security equation," Meglena Kuneva said.
"Being exposed to refugees waves and a transit country at the same time, Bulgaria is interested in having a EU policy in that respect and to join the Schengen area," said Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister. Accession to Schengen is especially relevant at this time, when the EU's external border security is discussed, emphasized Meglena Kuneva.