On 05.12.2023, the Internal Affairs section of the Justice and Internal Affairs Council, organized by the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, took place in Brussels, Belgium. Romania was represented by Mr. Cătălin Predoiu, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Internal Affairs.
The agenda included topics related to: the general state of the Schengen area, the Council Decision on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria and Romania (information), the Pact on migration and asylum, the Regulation on preventing and combating sexual abuse of children, asylum and migration: external dimension, consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine – internal security, implications of the situation in the Middle East for EU internal security, countering security challenges: assessment by the Intelligence Advisory Board, Council Recommendation on a Critical Infrastructure Plan.
With regard to the subject related to the general state of the Schengen area, the Romanian Minister of Internal Affairs appreciated the quality of the Schengen Barometer, emphasizing that the Romanian authorities analyze with all seriousness the information included, but especially those that show where further work needs to be done. He emphasized the importance of systematic checks in European databases and the training of staff using European systems. Certainly, the interoperability of the systems will greatly simplify the work of the police in the field, therefore, it is very important to continue with the operationalization calendar of the European information systems. With regard to return issues, he highlighted the importance of continuing the process and the elimination of loopholes, including of a legislative nature, which can be exploited by the third-party citizen subject to return to abuse the asylum procedure and evade the execution of return. The Romanian minister emphasized the fact that Romania not only fulfills the Schengen criteria, but performs in the field in terms of combating illegal migration, as evidenced by the statistics from the Schengen Barometer, Frontex, etc.
Regarding the Council Decision on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria and Romania, the Romanian dignitary recalled Romania’s efforts to ensure EU security and the implementation of the Schengen criteria at the highest standards, a fact unanimously recognized by all EU Member States. He thanked for the constant support of the European Commission, the Spanish Presidency, the Member States and the other institutional actors involved. He emphasized that in the previous months we built a very good communication with Austria, that the discussions continue and that there is a good and intense dialogue with the Austrian Minister of the Interior. The Romanian minister demonstrated through arguments that there is no incompatibility between the expansion of the Schengen Area with Romania and Bulgaria and the discussion on improving the performance of all countries in the Schengen Area, respectively the strengthening of the Schengen Area, on the contrary, with Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen Area, it will be strengthened, because both countries perform well in combating illegal migration. He asked the Presidency to identify optimal scenarios for further management of the subject, so as to facilitate the adoption of a positive Decision on accession to the Schengen area by the end of this year.
The Romanian Minister ended his speech at the JAI Council with the following statement: „As a great statesman (Abraham Lincoln) said, it often takes more courage to do what is right than the fear of doing something that is wrong. Likewise, we, in the JHA, must have the courage to take the right and just decision to expand the Schengen Area with Romania and Bulgaria.”
European Commissioner Ylva Johansson reconfirmed in the statement at the beginning and at the end of the debate the fact that Romania belongs and must be part of the Schengen area. He also emphasized that the pilot project at the border with Serbia produced solid and positive results and that the member states can make a positive decision regarding the accession of Romania and Bulgaria this year.
The member states took turns underlining that the two states meet all the membership criteria, are constructive and committed to this process and must become full members as soon as possible. Member states have indicated that they maintain their position of supporting an enlargement decision. The Austrian minister emphasized that he wants a strong Schengen area.
During the official working lunch, referring to the implications of the situation in the Middle East for the internal security of the EU, the Minister of Internal Affairs presented the efforts undertaken by the authorities to evacuate civilians belonging to the Romanian community living in Gaza, as well as the humanitarian aid provided by Romania. He highlighted the elements that must be given particular importance in the current context, which can generate a series of risks to internal security, with an emphasis on combating religious extremism, disinformation and hate speech, ensuring greater transparency regarding transactions with crypto-currencies, to counter their potential illicit uses, such as financing terrorist organizations and, last but not least, securing borders. He mentioned the fact that, in Romania, the level of the terrorist threat remains low. He also emphasized the fact that multiple minorities live in peace in Romania, including the Jewish and Arab communities, including the Palestinian, as well as the fact that national minorities are represented in the Parliament.
Regarding the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the Romanian dignitary highlighted the importance of coordination and close operational cooperation with all interested parties, including the Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities to address the risks to internal security generated by the war in Ukraine, stressing upon the fact that preventing and combating organized crime, especially trafficking in human beings and in firearms, remain a priority. He mentioned the good relations and cooperation with Ukraine in protecting the borders, that there are no problems regarding arms trafficking according to the data available at the moment, and that he will have a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart at the Romanian-Ukrainian border in January to discuss strengthening protection the border and to inspect in the field the way of work of the border policemen of the two countries. He also emphasized the excellent collaboration with the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, as well as with EUROPOL and Frontex.
