Hongaars voorzitterschap houdt vast aan toetreden Roemenië en Bulgarije tot Schengen (en)

While several member states firmly object to Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area, the Hungarian Presidency wants to preserve the perspective of accession for both countries, and is not working on a plan B. Meanwhile Italy must receive help to cope with the influx of North African refugees, Hungarian Home Minister Sándor Pintér told eu2011.hu before the Justice and Home Affairs Council’s meeting.

Earlier, Hungary declared as holder of the Presidency of the Council of the EU that one of its priorities is to help Romania and Bulgaria join the common border security system of Schengen. However, the latest expert report made it clear that Bulgaria is technically not ready for accession. Bulgaria admitted this by announcing its intention to remedy the deficiencies by March. Do you think it would be a failure if the two countries could not join the Schengen area during the Hungarian Presidency’s term?

Bulgaria indicated its willingness to make up its deficiencies by March for a re-evaluation, so there is still a chance for a positive decision or progress, which is reassuring for all parties by the end of the Hungarian Presidency. I am optimistic. The two candidate countries and the Presidency are working to achieve this and we believe in success. We do not have another scenario.

In addition to the technical criteria, the German and French Interior Ministers’ letter set further requirements for Romania and Bulgaria to join Schengen: an efficient fight against corruption and the judicial system’s reform. Later, the German-French demands, received support from Finland and the Netherlands. In view of this, is there any chance for Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession?

As I said, I am optimistic. Obviously, we should preserve the perspect of accession, as the candidate countries have made enormous sacrifices for preparation; and Romania has successfully passed the evaluation exam. The accession date remains unknown, but it will certainly happen in the near future. We think it is unfortunate to include, in the Schengen criteria, requirements, which were not stated at the time of application and evaluation.

What can the Hungarian Presidency do in this situation?

It can mediate and offer solutions. We will conduct the necessary negotiations for a consensus, which is acceptable to all, by the end of the Hungarian Presidency’s term.

Italy has declared a state of crisis due to the torrents of African refugees. The Italian Interior Minister publicly considered asking help from the EU. According to press information, he proposed the Justice and Home Affairs Council’s meeting on 24-25 February, to discuss the Italian refugee situation. In a communication, the Hungarian Presidency promised assistance but did not state that the issue will be put on the next Council meeting’s agenda.

The ministers will deal with the matter at their meeting on 24 February. We want to make visible, our joint action and solidarity; and to find concrete offers.

What can the EU and Hungary do?

Italy sent a letter stating their needs, to the European Commission and Frontex, the agency responsible for protecting the EU’s external borders. The Commission has already announced that it will open the European Refugee Fund, and the External Borders Fund, to provide financial assistance. In addition, Frontex is organising and coordinating a series of joint actions, which are supported by member state contributions, and equipment. As Hungary is the current EU Presidency holder, we would like to call on member states, to look at other ways of sharing the increasing pressure on Italian authorities.