BUCHAREST, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A positive decision will be taken on the enlargement of the Schengen Area, during Romania's presidency at the Council of European Union (EU), Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos expressed his hope on Thursday.
"Romania is ready to join the Schengen Area...the European Commission's stance on Romania's accession to Schengen has been clear and consistent since the evaluation at the end of 2011," the European commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship told a joint press conference with Romanian Interior Minister Carmen Dan, after the conclusion of the Home Affairs section of a two-day informal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs' ministers of the EU member states.
The establishment of the Schengen area is one of the greatest achievements at European level, with concrete advantages for the EU citizens, Avramopoulos said, stressing that Romania is prepared to join Schengen, and "the decision is now political - it is up to the Member States to decide unanimously on this issue."
"Today, again, we have launched an appeal to all Member States to give a green light, so that during the Romanian Presidency we can see this great country joining the Schengen area," said the European official.
Avramopoulos also underlined that Europe can face future challenges, including terrorism and migration, only through solidarity from all Member States.
He called for measures to ensure better protection and management of the EU external borders, stressing that it is necessary in this respect to further strengthen the European Border and Coast Guard.
The Romanian Minister of Interior said in her turn that that Romania wants to join Schengen during its term of the EU Presidency.
According to her, there was an exploration into the enlargement of the Schengen Area and she will continue talks with her counterparts in the countries that are against Romania's joining the free movement area.
Romania is among the four EU countries that are still not part of the Schengen, alongside Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus.
The Schengen zone, which currently embraces 26 European countries, acknowledges the abolishment of their internal borders with other member nations and outside, for the free and unrestricted movement of people, goods, services and capital.
