The economic ministers of Bulgaria and Romania were adamant that in order for Europe to remain competitive, both countries must be in Schengen
GDP growth between 3% and 5% expected from Bulgaria’s accession
Together with business and bilateral chambers, we want to make it clear that the economic security and development of Europe depend on the full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area and the euro area. This is what the Minister of Economy and Industry Bogdan Bogdanov told the media in Ruse today. He welcomed his Romanian counterpart — Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Ștefan-Radu Oprea at the Danube Bridge. The two discussed the logistical difficulties at the border that make it difficult for investors and businesses from all over Europe.
Minister Bogdanov stressed that the losses from not accepting Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen are significant. According to him, there are more than 6 hours of waiting at the border, in a certain period of time, only for heavy traffic. “There is no way Europe can be competitive if the millions of trucks passing through Bulgaria are waiting for so long,” he said.
“The kilometre-long queues and the difficult border crossing hinder our business and our countries, and this is a serious problem for Europe,” Bogdanov stressed. In his words, in order to preserve the competitiveness of the entire region, Bulgaria and Romania should be fully integrated into the European space. “We are an active part of Europe’s economic development,” Bogdanov stressed.
“We have proven that Bulgaria and Romania are destinations where the future innovations for Europe are created and we have many such examples to share”, the minister was adamant. In his words, Southeast Europe offers many opportunities for growth and development and this region will be a major factor in supporting the development of the whole of Europe.
The economy minister stressed that Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen and the euro area is expected to boost GDP growth by between 3% and 5%. “I hope the efforts of Bulgaria and Romania will be seen and it will be recognised that the economic development of our countries is the basis for the future competitiveness of Europe”, Bogdanov added.
“We insist and we are sure that Bulgaria and Romania will be Schengen members. These are the normal rights we have to make our economies competitive with all other economies in the European Union.” This is how the Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania Stefan-Radu Oprea commented on the topic.
The two ministers opened a conference on: “United Europe — a path to economic security and sustainable integration”. The forum focused on the economic future of the region, key infrastructure projects, and best practices among businesses. The event was attended by investors, representatives of foreign and local businesses and chambers of commerce of both countries.
The conference was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of the Republic of Romania.