Ahead of EU summit: Call for Bulgaria's full Schengen membership

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the leaders of the EU countries to take the final steps and make a decision on the full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen. On the eve of this week's summit in Brussels, von der Leyen sent a letter to the European capitals proposing a plan to tackle illegal migration and restore the normal functioning of the Schengen area. The issue of migration, which continues to divide the countries of the European Union, will be one of the main topics at the Brussels summit.

In her letter to leaders, von der Leyen indirectly criticised the reinstatement of internal border controls that her native Germany and other countries have introduced and called for a final decision for Bulgaria and Romania.

We must also proceed with the final stages of the abolition of land border checks with the newest Schengen members Romania and Bulgaria. This will be a powerful symbol of the vitality and adaptability of Schengen today," said EC President Ursula von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen linked the normal functioning of Schengen to tackling illegal migration. Against the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, the issue of migration is again on the agenda for Brussels. Von der Leyen proposes that the Union set up centres in non-EU countries where illegal migrants from the community can be returned.

"We are talking about the creation of so-called return hubs, which would be in third countries with which the EU has agreements. They are intended for migrants who have been refused residence in the Community. They will stay in these centres while awaiting their final extradition to the countries they come from," explained EU spokesman Eric Mamer.

For years, EU countries have struggled with lengthy procedures and problems in returning irregular migrants to their countries of origin. The proposal to set up intermediate centres in third countries could be a turning point in tackling irregular migration. Italy is already implementing this practice with Albania.

Today, the first group of 16 migrants was sent to Albania on an Italian warship. Despite criticism from some other EU countries, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the Italian decision new, courageous and an example for other EU countries.

"Italy has set a good example by signing an agreement with Albania so that asylum application assessment procedures can be carried out on Albanian territory but under Italian jurisdiction. The first two centres are now ready and able to operate," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

European leaders are also expected to discuss Poland's plans to temporarily suspend asylum because of the influx from Belarus. Warsaw accuses Putin and Lukashenko of trying to destabilise the EU by funnelling illegal migrants to the Polish border.

Brussels says Poland's actions may contravene European laws. But a growing number of countries want tough and swift measures in tackling illegal migration.

EC calls for a decision on Oct 10 on abolition of internal Schengen land borders for Bulgaria and Romania

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Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union's (EU) passport-free Schengen Zone for air and sea travel on 31 March 2024.