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Bulgaria ready to enter Schengen: Tusk

Xinhua, October 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

European Council President Donald Tusk said Friday Bulgaria is perhaps the best example of how to protect its borders, and is ready to be part of the Schengen area.

Bulgaria borders Turkey, Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, all countries under great migratory pressure, and has so far managed the situation at its borders well, Tusk said after meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

"Simply speaking, today Bulgaria is perhaps the best example, also for other Member States, of how to protect its borders," Tusk said.

These are also European Union (EU) borders, and "for me this is clear evidence that you are ready to be part of the Schengen area," Tusk said.

He knew many in Bulgaria considered that their country should have entered the visa-free zone by now, Tusk said.

"I can assure you of my support for your accession, but we need all Member States' agreement. We work hard to make it happen," he said.

"In the meantime, Bulgaria needs to ensure that judicial reforms, fight against corruption and organized crime continue at a robust pace, not just because the EU requests it but first and foremost because it will make Bulgaria stronger," Tusk said.

Bulgaria, along with Romania, had hoped to join Schengen in March 2011, but some Schengen members expressed reluctance due to concerns over alleged corruption and the security situation in the two Balkan states. The two countries are still in the waiting room of Schengen. Endit