Romanian President Deems Dutch Veto Over Schengen as ‘Unlimited Abuse’
Xenophobic fear of open borders with Romania and Turkey drives the EU skeptic crowd.
Despite Romania’s intense diplomatic efforts to unlock a favourable decision over the accession to Schengen, the EU leaders decided yesterday (Thurs) to further delay the verdict until September.
Speaking at the end of the two-day European Council meeting in Brussels, President Traian Basescu said that the Netherland’s opposition to Romania’s accession to the border free area is an unlimited abuse against an EU member country. “We are expecting Holland to respect the EU Treaty, we are not asking for a blank check,” Basescu said.
Reacting to the Dutch worries over Romania’s ability to guard the EU borders, Basescu said: “The main harbour for drugs entering Europe is Rotterdam, not Constanta (Black Sea) nor Tulcea (Danube).”
Recently, Basescu accused the Netherlands of abuse by opposing the country joining Schengen. He attacked the Dutch stance saying in early January that Holland not Romania had legalised prostitution and drug consumption ‘“ut of helplessness”. He also invited Romanians to boycott Dutch vegetables. Basescu’s attitude was slammed by the opposition who said the President’s remarks were “irresponsible” and would only worsen the relations with the Netherlands.