Austria's opposition to Romania's accession to the Schengen Area "is not directed against Bucharest"

Austria's opposition to Romania's accession to the Schengen Area is not directed against Bucharest, but against this system of free movement - said the Austrian Minister of European Affairs.

The reaction comes at the request of the media, after the government in Bucharest warned that it will sue Vienna if it does not give up its veto on Romania's accession.

Minister Karoline Edtstadler stated that she understands the position of the Romanian authorities, but noted that she cannot turn a blind eye to an already defective system.

She explained that the European Union should ensure a protection of external borders that works, and only in this way can there be a vision of a Europe without internal borders.

In an interview published in the Austrian media, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stated that, in the event of a new opposition, he will have to appeal this decision to the European Court to demand compensation for the losses caused by the non-adherence to the Schengen Area.

Translated by: Radu Matei