"The Signals they were good. I think the political decision has already been made in Austria." This is what Emil Radev, MEP from the EPP, explained to BNR, before today's EP debate on the full membership of Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen and the lifting of land border controls.
The EU Council is expected to vote on both countries' full membership on December 12.
When it comes to our full Schengen membership, land border control will not be the same as it is now, assured Radev.
"There will be checks that will be based on risk. There are also such on the French-German border at the moment. This does not mean that every car or truck will be checked.
Emil Radev stressed the need for political stability in the country and a regular government to conduct negotiations on both the Eurozone and land-based Schengen.
"When we talk about political stability in a given member state, this is very important. The election results were reassuring for our European partners – GERB is the first political force. They know Prime Minister Borisov very well. Bulgaria was a symbol of good protection of the European external border. But we still need a stable government that will make a commitment that the measures for the good protection of the border will be applied in the future.
We have fulfilled absolutely all requirements for the Schengen area. We have introduced all the information systems, the MEP explained.
"For the infrastructure, we need to do a lot more to reach the high European standards".
It has been in the works for too long to have another delay, he said.
"When the hearings were going on, the Austrian candidate for commissioner, who will be in charge of home affairs and migration, clearly stated that a lot has been done by Bulgaria and Romania, and for that reason Austria will support our entry into the Schengen area.
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Radev told in the show "Above all" for the European Anti-Money Laundering Office.
"Money laundering is a phenomenon that is very difficult to combat in the EU. We need to restrict criminals from re-using these funds. That is why we created the new European body, which is currently being structured. Last night was the hearing for the three director candidates. The EP has an important role in this choice, but the final decision will be taken by the Council. This body will have serious powers – will control 40 of the largest financial institutions in Europe, will have direct supervision over them. The fight against money laundering will be able to be coordinated throughout the EU.
"At this crucial moment, we will give another clear signal from the EP for full support for Bulgaria and Romania for full membership in the Schengen area. We also have huge support from the EC.
Thanks to internal political struggles in certain member states, we have been out of full membership for 12 years now.
He was commenting on an article in the Financial Times which said Austria's agreement did not mean the Netherlands would not obstruct the accession process. This is due to the change of power there. Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte agreed for Bulgaria and Romania to enter Schengen, but now the far-right "Freedom Party" of Geert Wilders became part of the governing coalition, which could lead to obstacles.
"This is mainly a danger for Bulgaria. Hopefully, when one country is alone, it's a little harder to decide to restrict another. We expect that after Austria's veto falls, the Netherlands will not formally prevent Bulgaria from full membership either. We have to do everything possible diplomatically.