Denmark, which took over the EU presidency on January 1, is ready to receive Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, the Danish ambassador to Romania Michael Sternberg said recently.

“Denmark acknowledges the sustained efforts of Romania and Bulgaria in meeting Schengen criteria and we are ready to welcome Romania and Bulgaria as members of the Schengen space,” the Danish official said at a conference marking the launch of the Danish presidency of the EU Council, between January 1 and June 31. He added that “all the countries currently included or to be included in the Schengen area must be judged by the same standards”.

However, Michael Sternberg pointed out that Romania will have to continue efforts to join the border-free zone. The Danish official explained that Romania has to show that is on the “right path” and that progress must be reflected in the next EU monitoring report.

Romania and Bulgaria were originally set to join the Schengen area in the spring of 2011, but several European countries opposed the move, saying the countries still need to fulfill some criteria. The decision on Romania’s accession to the Schengen area was further delayed until after discussions in September 2011. A new deadline was given for 2012.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Sxc.hu)