MEPs nudge ministers on Schengen enlargement

The European Parliament gave its green light for Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen border check-free area on the 8 June 2011. MEPs said they had met the entry conditions, based on progress reports, but added that Parliament should be kept informed of additional measures taken in the Bulgaria-Turkey-Greece area to cope with a possible surge in migration pressure.

The European Parliament’s opinion would be sent to EU Home Affairs Ministers meeting on the 9 June 2011 in Luxembourg.

European Parliament: Press Release, 8.6.11: Bulgaria and Romania ready to join Schengen area, says Parliament http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/content/20110608IPR20929/html/Bulgaria-and-Romania-ready-to-join-Schengen-area-says-Parliament

ESO: Background information: Romania and Bulgaria win modest praise on anti-graft effort http://www.europeansources.info/record/romania-and-bulgaria-win-modest-praise-on-anti-graft-effort/

ESO: Background information: Roadblocks on the way to Schengen http://www.europeansources.info/record/roadblocks-on-the-way-to-schengen/

EurActiv, 9.6.11: Bulgaria, Romania denied Schengen entry http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/bulgaria-romania-denied-schengen-entry-news-505471

BBC News, 9.6.11: Schengen zone: Delay for Bulgaria and Romania to join http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13709768

---