Frans Timmermans

Brussels, 12 June 2018

For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission proposes to almost triple funding for migration and border management to €34.9 billion, as compared to €13 billion in the previous period.

Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar tells AGERPRES in a recent interview that the "noise" around the judiciary in Romania must not impress anyone in the justice system, as it is necessary to secure "uncompromised" institutions and a firm rule of law at European level.

The message conveyed by European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans during his visit to Bucharest this week were "extremely encouraging", and the trip of the EU official had been scheduled a long time before, Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Melescanu on Friday evening told private broadcaster Digi24.

First Vice-President of the European Commission (EC) and European Commissioner for Better Regulation, Inter-institutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights Frans Timmermans told a news conference on Thursday that Romania is ready to join the Schengen area.

European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said in Bucharest on Thursday that much has been achieved over the past 20 years in terms of reinforcing the judiciary.

Chairman of the expert Committee on the justice package Florin Iordache said on Thursday that if necessary, the Venice Commission's opinion will be sought on the amendments to the judiciary laws.

The committee met with EC First Vice-President Frans Timmermans on Thursday.

Senate's President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu on Thursday said during his meeting with the European Commission's First Vice President, Frans Timmermans, at the Parliament's seat, that the amendment of the criminal codes (Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, ed.

Poland's Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz and European Commission Vice President, Frans Timmermans, discussed a controversial Polish reform in the judiciary in Brussels on Thursday, the Associated Press reported.

Turkey on Wednesday submitted to EU authorities a draft document for Turkish citizens to travel to Schengen countries visa-free, according to diplomatic sources, Anadolu Agency reports.

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has claimed that Turkey has accomplished all necessary work for the fulfillment of the remaining seven criteria out of 72 for visa-free travel to the EU’s Schengen zone, and will send a letter detailing Ankara’s steps to European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans.