Bulgaria and Romania have given a good example by problem accession to Schengen, says the European Commission / another country is preparing to enter next year

The reception of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area was a good thing, brought positive results and carried out very well in both countries, said Olivier Onidi, the person in charge of the European Commission (EC) for the European space without border controls, before the European Deputies for Civil Freedom, Justice and Internal Affairs of the European Parliament, according to Radio Romania.

According to him, Bulgaria and Romania have given a good example for the countries that are also waiting for accession.

According to him, by the end of the year, Cyprus will endeavor to meet the requirements and could become part of the Schengen area next year, BTA reports.

According to Onidi, Ireland is interested in the implementation of Schengen rules, and what already works with Western Balkans to prepare for a future in Schengen, once they will complete their accession negotiations.

A total of 40% of cross -border travel around the world takes place in the Schengen area, he said. According to his statements, Schengen had a significant contribution to the growth of European GDP.

“We expect what to have an evaluation of the economic benefits of belonging to the Schengen area until the end of the year,” Onidi said.

According to him, the Schengen borders are crossed a billion times a year, and 10 million Schengen visas are issued in the EU. He mentioned that more efforts are needed for the complete digitalization of the processes related to the Schengen activity.