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Romanian Interior Minister Lucian Bode has sent an open letter to his Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner expressing his "deep outrage" at the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council's vote against Romania joining the Schengen area.

This is reported by the Romanian agency Agerpress.

"I am writing to you to express my deep indignation at your vote, after you assured me on November 23 in Vienna, in the presence of our colleagues, that you are a friend of Romania and your position is not against Romania, but against a dysfunctional system, which should not be extended to any country," noted Lucian Bode in the letter published on his Facebook page.

He described the decision as "unfair, unfair, without any real justification" and shared fears that it would cause huge damage at EU level and a dangerous precedent in the current geopolitical context.

Lucian Bode adds that with this vote, not only the merits of Romania and its citizens, but also the values ​​and principles of the European level have been trampled.

"All member states saw how Austria made an arbitrary decision, and the arguments presented at the end of this process have no connection to reality," adds Bode.

He recalls that at a meeting with his Austrian colleague Karner in February, he received an assurance of support from Austria.

"You treated Romanians and Romania in an unfair, discriminatory and illogical way.

I'm sorry to have to tell you, but this way of behaving and acting is not suitable for any politician from the European Union," emphasizes Bode.

He specifies that Romania remains firmly and deeply committed to the goal of joining the Schengen area, and not only the ministry he leads, but also the other structures involved in the accession process, will continue to work with the same determination and unwavering trust in European values. writes BTA.

Romania

Schengen

Austria

open letter