MEPs Call on Council to Admit Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen Area by End of 2023
The same said that the Council should prioritise the enlargement of the Schengen visa-free zone in 2023, arguing that a larger zone with no border controls would make the bloc stronger, AtoZSerwisPlus.ro reports.
MEPs asked the Council to vote in favour of admitting Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area by the end of 2023, provided that the two countries have fulfilled the necessary requirements, in a resolution adopted today, June 27, with 25 votes in favour and no votes against or abstaining.
They further regretted the decision of the Council on December 2022 to reject the accession of both countries, saying that no legal justification related to the criteria was presented.
According to the MEPs, the fact that Romania and Bulgaria are still outside the visa-free travel zone represents a societal as well as an economic hardship for the populations and businesses of the two countries.
Furthermore, MEPs also said that citizens of Romania and Bulgaria are being discriminated against as they face delays, additional costs, and bureaucratic difficulties when travelling abroad or doing business compared to their Schengen Area counterparts.
Noting the long waiting times when crossing the border, MEPs noted that the delays that citizens of Romania and Bulgaria face can last to days compared to around ten minutes if there are no internal border controls in place.
“Romanians and Bulgarians face can last from a few hours to even days –compared to the 10 minutes without internal border controls– which also worsens the working conditions of truck drivers,” MEPs stressed.
In addition to the above-mentioned, MEPs also noted “irreparable damages” to the environment if Romania and Bulgaria are not admitted to the zone without delay, they highlighted that the health of customs agents, drivers, and people who live near the border is endangered by the increase pollutions from vehicles waiting to cross the border each day.
The same stressed that 46,000 tones of carbon dioxide are emitted each year, emphasising the need to approve the accession of both countries so that waiting times at border crossings along with CO2 emission are cut.
Apart from the MEPs call, a recent report claimed that Romania and Bulgaria would join the Schengen zone in October of this year.
Euractiv said that the border controls between these two countries and the Schengen Member States would be lifted as soon as the decision enters into force, while border controls at the airports will remain in place until January 2024.
For the Employer
Are you looking to Hire? Let us help you find the perfect candidates!
Step 1: Fill out the employer's questionnaire. Please provide us with the necessary details about your job requirements and company. We'll use this information to customise our services for you. Fill in the form.
Step 2: Choose the best offer. Once we receive your completed questionnaire, we'll prepare a tailored proposal for recruitment, employee leasing, or outsourcing services.
Step 3: Welcome your new employee. We'll utilise our extensive network and resources to find the ideal candidate for your business. Please don't worry; we'll ensure favourable conditions for you and the employee.
Take advantage of exceptional talent for your company. Complete the employer's questionnaire today, and let us handle your hiring needs.
For Job Seeker Registration
If you are looking for Truck Drivers, such as our guest today, we would like you to fill out the application form on our website. After reviewing the details of the completed offer, a representative of AtoZ Serwis Plus will contact you and tell you about all the details. Fill in the form.
Would you like some advice? So that you know, the information I've included here is for you to review. You'll always need to consult with your legal and tax advisor(s) and follow their guidance. AtoZ Serwis Plus cannot assist with legal or tax matters. The information presented is not specific to any particular company or workforce nor reflects how AtoZ Serwis Plus products are distributed in any jurisdiction. Instead, it is general. AtoZ Serwis Plus makes no representations or warranties regarding this information's accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. It shall not be liable for any losses from using or relying on it. It is your responsibility to exercise caution when using this information.
