The Diplomat
The Romanian ambassador in Madrid, George Bologan, expressed his gratitude yesterday in a message published on social networks for Spain’s support for his country’s entry into the Schengen area of free movement, after Austria and the Netherlands vetoed this accession at the meeting of EU interior ministers.
Bologan recalls that Romania “is involved in and loyal to the values of NATO, the EU and its partners” and that this is a “fact confirmed by evidence”. The EU,” he says, “has taught us the value of solidarity and to look ahead without prejudice. We do not know who is served by distractions in the European Union; certainly those who do not want to maximise the role of the Union and the well-being of all European citizens”.
The ambassador wonders whether the founder of Paneuropa, the Austrian Coudenhove-Kalergi, would be proud of Austria’s attitude these days in denying Schegen entry to Romania, “a state consistent with European policy itself whose people actively contribute to Europe’s economy”, he says.
After thanking the Austrians who have supported Romania’s objective, Bologan says: “We are especially grateful to the Kingdom of Spain for its sincere friendship and constant support”.
The European Union,” he adds, “remains the most important political project that has brought us peace and the possibility of development and the fulfilment of the hopes of many of us. The European Union is our destiny and we will defend our legitimate aspirations, including accession to the Schengen area”.
And he concludes: “We look with dignity and confidence to the future, knowing how to appreciate those who are our friends, such as the Spanish people”. Spain is currently home to 1.1 million Romanians.
Austria and the Netherlands vetoed Romania and Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen area on Thursday – although the European Commission and the other 25 member states consider the two countries ready for accession – but did allow Croatia to join from 1 January 2023.
The decision has caused some division in Austria, where the country’s president Alexander Van der Bellen regretted the stance taken by the Austrian government, headed by Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Van der Bellen said on his Twitter account that the decision only “increases resentment on a European level and warned that the Austrian economy “will have to pay a price for this decision”. “This will affect tourism at national level and will lead to fewer Romanians arriving,” he said, before pointing out that Austria has a large number of investments in the country.
