Baconschi Hopes Romania Gets Clear Schengen Entry Date This Fall

05.26.2011 By Ioana Tudor

Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Teodor Baconschi Thursday told private radio station RFI he hopes that, during the Council of Justice and Home Affairs to take place this fall, all member states will agree on a clear date for Romania’s Schengen entry in the second half of the year.

Baconschi said Romania maintains its objective to join the border-free Schengen area in 2011.

He pointed out the country would like to participate in debates on reforming the Schengen area, but as a member of it.

Romania's accession to Schengen in 2011 is uncertain as two member states have raised objections regarding the draft document to be debated in June in the Council of Justice and Home Affairs.

Interior Ministry official Florin Saghi said on May 20 the two states proposed no clear accession date for Romania and Bulgaria be stated in the document.