Romania and Bulgaria's partial Schengen accession "is a good sign"

RADIO ROMANIA NEWS (17 January) - Producer: Cristian Bacain - Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who has taken over the six-month presidency of the European Union, says Europe need not fear Donald Trump's return to the White House, a day after the former president cemented his status as the Republicans' favourite candidate for November's presidential election. The Belgian prime minister told the European Parliament that the EU must seize the opportunity to become stronger because it will be left alone with itself. He pledged that the Belgian presidency would help protect citizens, strengthen the economy and prepare for a common European future. Later, at a press conference, the Belgian prime minister also referred to the steps taken to extend the European area of free movement, according to RRA correspondent Alina Stanuta in Strasbourg:

Reporter: The accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area, although partial, is a good sign, says Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, adding that he expects the next steps to be taken.

Alexander De Croo: I know that both countries have made great efforts, great steps forward to answer all the questions that have been asked by so many countries about Shengen and we really want to applaud all the efforts made. I think those partial steps that have been taken are a good sign and a first step, but I expect that if things continue to go according to plan, the next steps will be taken.

Reporter: PSD MEP Dan Nica told colleagues in the European legislature that transport companies in Romania are making huge financial losses and hauliers are humiliated because they have to waste hours and days at border crossings.

Dan Nica: Funds must be found to be made available immediately and transport companies and carriers must be compensated. They have done nothing wrong and deserve to be compensated for the huge financial losses.

Reporter: Today, in the plenary of the Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs are expected to debate with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel about the recent European Council and the upcoming summit of European leaders on 1 February. There will also be a debate on the problems faced by farmers in several European countries.

Translated by: Radu Matei