site.btaPresident Radev: Instead of European Solidarity, Bulgaria Receives Cynicism from Netherlands

Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, told reporters here on Saturday it is time the EU Member States showed that when the Schengen criteria are met, the corresponding decision needs to be taken.

The Netherlands’s refusal to support Bulgaria for Schengen was expected, Bulgarian MEP Angel Dzhambazki (VMRO/European Conservatives and Reformists) commented for reporters in Sofia on Saturday. He described it as a signal for hypocrisy and double standard.

Commenting on the Netherlands’ position against Bulgaria joining the Schengen area, caretaker Justice Minister Krum Zarkov told bTV on Saturday that the Netherlands does not have the right to not want Bulgaria in Schengen. “We respect the Netherlands and its position, but it should be expressed in a way that does not bring in question the dignity and life of Bulgarian police officers,” he added.

In a position on the Netherlands being against Bulgaria’s entry in Schengen, caretaker Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said that the Republic of Bulgaria is a full member of the European Union that is making exceptional efforts to guarantee its partners’ security.