President Iohannis on Schengen: There are signs that things are moving. EU – the only option

President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday in Brussels that there are signs that things might move in regard to Romania’s accession to the Schengen area.

“The issue of Schengen is permanently on our agenda of discussions, bilateral and multilateral, and today I’ve had discussions with relevant leaders on this issue in the margins of the informal meetings. I cannot go now into details, but there are signs that things could move. It would be certainly very good for Romania, but again, it would be good for the rest of the Schengen area, and here I speak only on behalf of Romania. Romania not only acts as a de facto member, Romania is an important piece in the security and safety throughout the region. It is clear that we have done our homework, it is clear that we are not only able, but we are already accustomed to keep not only the safety of citizens, but to keep the entire country safe and, in this respect, Romania’s accession to Schengen would be a real gain and would be a strong signal that the EU and Schengen actually want to strengthen the external borders,” the president said.

The president also mentioned the discussions in the European Council focused on the results of the referendum in the UK, structured on two points: yesterday with Prime Minister Cameron, and today in the EU27 format. The referendum result has placed us in an unprecedented situation in the European Union.

“It is essential to understand that the European Union is the only option to maintain prosperity and security for our citizens. Therefore, I find it highly relevant that the main message from our discussions is that the 27 member states must emerge stronger from this test,” the head of state said.

It is paramount that we understand that the EU is the only option for maintaining our citizens’ prosperity and security, said President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday in Brussels, mentioning that the participants in the Brexit summit had reaffirmed their joint commitment to preserving the unity and cohesion of the Union.

“The result of the referendum left the EU in an unprecedented situation. It is paramount that we understand that the EU is the only option for maintaining our citizens’ prosperity and security. Therefore, I find it highly relevant that the key conclusion of our talks is that the EU27 must emerge stronger from this trial. The EU leaders reaffirmed the joint commitment to preserving the unity and cohesion of the Union. I welcome this message of unity all 27 member states pledged to. We emphasized that what we need now is an approach as pragmatic as possible to defuse the situation and allow us to move forward,” Iohannis said at the end of European Council meeting.

Other statements:

– It was reconfirmed in the joint commitment to preserve the unity and cohesion of the Union. I welcome this message of unity given by all 27 Member States.

– We have adopted a EU27 joint statement this morning. I welcome the fact that this statement contains the messages we have sent, namely: we regret the outcome of the referendum in the UK, but we respect the will expressed by the majority of British people. Until the United Kingdom leaves the Union, it shall retain the status of membership, with all the rights and all the obligations.

– The United Kingdom will meet during this period the free movement of citizens and the rights of European workers. This was confirmed to me directly by Prime Minister Cameron.

– A notification under Article 50 of the EU Treaty would bring the necessary clarifications to the advantage of both the European Union and the United Kingdom.

– There will be no negotiations before that notification occurs.

– There is political will on behalf of European leaders for the UK to remain a close partner of the European Union. For Romania, which has a strategic partnership with the UK, this aspect is of particular relevance.

– Today, we, the European leaders, have reiterated that the European Union remains our common action. Because we must not forget that the EU is a project for peace, security and prosperity on our continent. This was the message I have sent on Romania’s behalf.

– During the discussions on external relations of the European Union and with the approach of the NATO Summit in Warsaw in July, we noted the importance of strengthening the EU-NATO cooperation, amid the common threats we are facing.

– The Global Strategy of the European Union on foreign and security policy was presented.

photo: presidency.ro