Slovenia supports Romania's accession to Schengen

Slovenia supports Romania's accession to the Schengen Area, Slovenian President Borut Pahor said on Tuesday in Bucharest, where he paid an official visit and was welcomed by President Klaus Iohannis with military honors.

According to the Romanian Presidential Administration, the two Heads of State discussed the priorities of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the future of the EU, given that the upcoming EU Summit in Sibiu will be a key moment in the process of defining strategic priorities for the future of the Union. Slovenian and Romanian Presidents also agreed to intensify bilateral economic relations, stating that their countries have similar positions in European matters.

RRA Reporter: President Klaus Iohannis has received assurances from his Slovenian counterpart that Slovenia supports the priorities of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Head of the Romanian state explained that cohesion is the basic principle in formulating and applying the priorities of Romania's mandate.

President Klaus Iohannis: We want the EU Summit in Sibiu to be a framework for a consensual discussion among the EU Member States, which will generate a clear vision for the Union's strategic agenda.

RRA Reporter: Slovenian President Borut Pahor said his country supports equal criteria for all states wishing to join the Schengen Area.

President Borut Pahor: I have to be honest, past criteria for the countries that expressed wish to be Schengen Members have been met by Romania, but for Romania, the EU has imposed additional conditions. If Romania wishes to enter the Schengen Area, it must therefore meet these criteria, but Slovenia considers that all states should meet the same criteria.

RRA Reporter: Slovenian President also called for strengthening the Eastern Partnership, a priority topic for the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the Union, and explained that the European Union now needs to counter the Eurosceptic feelings.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei