Brussels, 01/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - Romania is hoping to become a full member of the Schengen area for free movement by 2012, on the basis of a decision to be taken by EU home ministers at the end of September, according to several Romanian media reports.
On Wednesday 31 August, Prime Minister Emil Boc said he was confident that accession was imminent, saying his country expected to become a full member by September, and adding that the country's technical preparation for entry into the Schengen area, like that of Bulgaria, has been recognised.
On 23 September, EU home ministers meeting in Council are to discuss Romania and Bulgaria's application to join the Schengen area, with the Polish Presidency of the EU Council seeking, moreover, to reach a decision during the upcoming Council. On Thursday 1st September, the dossier was evoked at the committee of permanent representatives, due to perfect its position on 14 and 21 September. The option currently under discussion is that of membership in two stages, as already suggested by ministers on 9 June this year in Luxembourg, i.e. opening of the maritime and air borders initially, to be followed by a second phase when land borders would be opened.
Germany was the first to speak out on this phased accession. France “does not reject” the option, one source states. It is still not known what the Netherlands' position will be. In June, it had said it wanted such a decision on accession by Bucharest and Sofia to take place no earlier than 2012. (S.P./transl.jl)