Preoccupied with fears of increased migration from the south, the European Union told its two newest members, Romania and Bulgaria, that they would have to wait to join the bloc’s passport-free travel zone, writes the New Tork Times.

The refusal to admit Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen area is a big blow for the two governments, even if the decision will make little or no practical difference to most of their people, who can still travel easily within the European Union, writes New York Times. According to the newspaper, the two countries are sensitive about being seen as second-class member nations.

See the entire New York Times article here.

The Romanian President Traian Basescu said on Thursday, during a TV show, that he takes full responsibility for the fact that Romania's Schengen entry was delayed, given that the institutions have fulfilled their tasks.

The Netherlands-Romanian Chamber of Commerce (NRCC) has expressed its support of Romania’s joining the Schengen area, but has asked the Romanian state to enforce non-discriminatory controls and not target any specific industry or business community. This came soon after the decision on Romania’s Schengen entry has been further delayed.

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

(photo source: Sxc.hu)