Budapest: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced that European Union interior ministers will vote on December 12 on a Hungarian proposal to allow Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen agreement. Speaking at a press conference following discussions with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, Orbán emphasized the significance of the talks, which involved interior ministers from Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania, focusing on the potential enlargement of the Schengen area.
According to About Hungary, Hungary is currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. PM Orbán reiterated Hungary’s commitment to accelerating Romania’s Schengen accession process, a goal that was mutually agreed upon during previous discussions in Bucharest. He highlighted the perceived injustice towards Romania, noting the country’s substantial efforts over recent years in meeting Schengen conditions.
Orbán expressed satisfaction over the approach taken during the talks, particularly concerning
illegal migration. The interior ministers concurred on the necessity of significantly reducing illegal border crossings and bolstering efforts against illegal migration. He praised Romania and Bulgaria for their “fantastic progress” in these areas, noting that the involved countries were united in removing all obstacles to Romania’s Schengen accession.
The discussions resulted in an agreement that all four nations would facilitate Romania’s full Schengen membership, effective January 1, including land and air access. The decision awaits unanimous approval from EU interior ministers, with a proposal from the Hungarian presidency expected a day before the vote.
PM Orbán expressed optimism about Budapest being recognized for hosting the decisive talks that could eliminate the final barrier to Romania’s Schengen membership. This development would mean that drivers would no longer need to stop at the Hungary-Romania border, marking a significant milestone for the involved parties.
In addition to discussing Roma
nia’s Schengen entry, Orbán and Ciolacu addressed bilateral economic ties, which Orbán described as “fantastic,” with ongoing increases in trade volume and value. Both leaders underscored the importance of cross-investment and market access for goods between the two nations, highlighting the benefits for border communities.
The prime minister also mentioned the opening of several border-crossing roads, previously restricted to weekend use, once Romania joins Schengen. He expressed gratitude to the ethnic Hungarian party RMDSZ for their efforts supporting Romania’s accession.
