Listen to the news

The leader of the European Liberals, Ilhan Kuciuk, and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, met today before the last meeting of the European Council for 2022.

The two leaders discussed key topics, among which migration and the Schengen area stand out.

"Bulgaria received enormous support both from all member states of the Union and from all European institutions.

We need to pool the efforts and capacity of the whole country to help the Netherlands and Austria change their mind.

I call on the Council today to make a political decision that the subject of Schengen will be considered as soon as possible next year," said Kyuchuk.

He emphasized that the acceptance of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area will improve the quality of life of the citizens of both countries, will improve the economic indicators of the countries, will have a positive effect on tourism and the standard of living of Bulgarians and Romanians. 

Mark Rutte set two conditions for Bulgaria to admit it to Schengen

Today, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, announced that by the end of summer 2023, a new assessment of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism could be prepared and the Schengen Verification Mechanism completed.

If the results are positive, Bulgaria can join Schengen.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed his support and stated that Bulgaria and Romania should continue on their path to full EU integration and become Schengen members. 

Earlier today, the MEP announced on social networks that together with Rutte they arranged a specific meeting on the subject of Bulgaria's accession to Schengen.

Ilkhan Kyuchuk

Schengen

Mark Ruete