Finland Softens on Bulgaria's, Romania's Schengen Entry, Netherlands Remains Adamant
Finland has changed its approach to Bulgaria's and Romania's future accession to the Schengen border-free area. This emerged from remarks made by Finland's European Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Alexander Stubb to Bulgarian journalists in Brussels on Tuesday.
Stubb said behind-the-scenes talks are underway on the matter between Finland, Romania, Bulgaria and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in an attempt to make progress ahead of the next European Council meeting on December 9. Now, the current Finnish position is that the two Balkan neighbours can accede to the Schengen area in two stages: first, with their air and maritime borders, and then, with their land borders.
Meanwhile, Dutch Interior Ministry Spokesman Alexander Vanderee told Bulgarian National Radio that, at this stage, the Netherlands will not change its position against Bulgaria's and Romania's Schengen entry. (Source: BTA)