01/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 29 June, the EU Council adopted a decision indicating that Romania and Bulgaria meet data protection criteria required for joining the Schengen Information System (SIS). Adoption marks the first stage towards lifting controls between the above two countries and those of the Schengen area (EUROPE 10162). Both countries consider they will be able to join the Schengen area in March 2011. (B.C./transl.jl)