EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ilva Johansson called for the abolition of land borders for Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen by the end of the year, BGNES reported.
"Bulgaria and Romania have made every effort and left no stone unturned. My message to the Justice and Home Affairs Council on Thursday, 10 October, is to take the last important decision to abolish land border controls. Take the final step, abolish land border controls for both countries before the end of the year. They deserve it, now is the time," Johansson said on the first day of the new plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
The Commissioner underlined her pride in living in the Schengen area and noted the need for police cooperation and information exchange in the fight against organised crime.
Johansson commented on Germany's decision to bring back checks at its borders, pointing out that border controls should only be applied as a last resort and on a temporary basis so as not to restrict free movement. | BGNES
