The Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák took part in discussions in Brussels on Thursday about the accession of Romania and Bulgaria into the European Schengen area. He participated in the meeting of the Council of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs. Other topics on the program included further questions regarding the Schengen system and its changes, Dana Pohlodova from the press department of the Interior Ministry told the SITA news agency.
The Council of Ministers were expected to deal with the accession of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area despite the lack of a perspective to decide, especially due to disapproval of several countries, including Germany. Slovakia supports an immediate admission of the two states, informs Pohlodova. “Both countries have met all the criteria for entry into the Schengen area,” she says. The ministers were also to deal with the proposal of so-called smart borders. This is a system of registered travellers, with pre-registration performed on-line before travelling, to facilitate frequent travellers crossing borders. It should also improve the system of control of entry and departure and automation of identity checks when crossing the border. Another point of talks will be based on the launch of the second generation of the Schengen system into productive operation, which is scheduled for April 9. The European Commission is expected to confirm that all the conditions are met to launch of the system. “The Slovak Republic has successfully passed all tests and is pleased that after years of delay, the system will be launched,” said Pohlodova.
Gavin Shoebridge
