2023-11-24 21:56:04
Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolaj Denkow hopes that Austria’s blockade regarding his country’s accession to Schengen will soon end. There is no argument why his country should not join, said Denkow in the ZIB2 this evening. He stated that border controls had been strengthened. In December he expects a decision from the EU, said Denkow, who emphasized that “we deserve this decision”.
In addition, Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen would also be beneficial for Austria and the rest of Europe, as there would be shorter waiting times at the borders and this would make food transport cheaper. But if Vienna were to stick to its veto, it would become increasingly difficult for the pro-European government in Sofia to explain to citizens why this is so. This might also lead to the pro-Europe mood turning towards Russia.
During his visit to Vienna a month ago, Denkow was rebuffed by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) in his campaign for his country to join Schengen. “Austria has a clear position that Schengen expansion cannot take place at the moment,” Nehammer told journalists at the time. The Chancellor made it clear that bilateral border controls within the Schengen area would first have to be withdrawn before Austria would give the green light to Bulgaria and Romania.
Yesterday, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) once once more made clear his rejection of accepting new Schengen members. When asked whether a decision would be ready in December, Karner said: “I don’t think it makes sense to expand something that doesn’t work.”
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