Klaus Iohannis: Within short, we will be making strides toward Schengen membership

President Iohannis said on Saturday, at the reception given on Europe Day at the Cotroceni Palace, that Romania will soon be making strides to become a Schengen member.

Photo credit: (c) Razvan CHIRITA / AGERPRES PHOTO

"We celebrated recently the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union, a special moment for all Romanians, who are now full-fledged European citizens. Romania is today not only deeply attached to the values that define the European Union and a strong supporter of deepening European integration, Romania is also a source of stability and democracy in a complicated region, a partner committed to supporting the rule of law, to defending the fundamental freedom and to promoting market economy. More than 8 years after accession, we can say that we have taken an irreversible path and have put important stages behind. But the integration process is not yet finalized. I am convinced that within short, we will be making strides to join the Schengen Area," said Iohannis.

He pointed to the multiple significance of May 9, when Europe Day, the end of World War II and the proclamation of Romania's Independence are celebrated. The head of the state also reminded that 65 years have passed since Robert Schuman's Declaration, which lay the foundations for the European integration project by creating the European Coal and Steel Community.

"Many things have been and can be said about Europe. The Europe of the citizens is a space of freedom and democracy, of dialogue and diversity, prosperity and equal chances. I would like us to take this opportunity to reflect on what we want Europe to be for each of its citizens, and how we can better put it into their service. The period...