Photo: Archive
The Netherlands and Austria were the only EU Member States that opposed the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen in December 2023
"We are aware that Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and his Government are lobbying very hard for Bulgaria's admission to Schengen," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Bulgarian journalists on his way into a two-day European Council meeting here on Thursday.
"We must look at the assessment of the European Commission in December. It must be an accurate and fair assessment, without sugar-coating and reticence. I know that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is strict and just. If the conditions are met, yes, if not, no," Rutte summed up.
"All we want from the Commission to say whether Bulgaria meets all requirements. We want it to be said candidly. So far the Commission has been very open about the pros and cons. If the Commission determines that Bulgaria is ready - yes. Let us first hear the Commission," the Dutch Prime Minister insisted.
The Netherlands and Austria were the only EU Member States that opposed the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen in December 2023. Earlier this week, Austria reiterated its refusal to support a Schengen enlargement for the time being.
