Romanian President Traian Basescu has scheduled a meeting with European Council President Herman van Rompuy (in picture) for Thursday, January 16, in Brussels. Among main topics to be discussed are joining the Schengen area, the Republic of Moldova joining the EU, as well as the development of the natural gas south pipe.

The meeting is scheduled for 12:15, Romania time, at the European Council headquarters in Brussels. Basescu has asked for this meeting with the EC officials.

Romania and Bulgaria have been trying to join the free-movement zone Schengen for several years, but each time several EU states have opposed their joining. The decision must be unanimous among EU member states for it to be enforced.

EU officials have said on numerous occasions that Romania is technically ready to be accepted into Schengen, but it needs to convince the opposing member states as well. Last time, it was Germany which voiced its opposition, after France and the Netherlands taking turns at doing the same.

editor@romania-insider.com