Moreover, Evelyn Regner added that there is no reason why Bulgaria’s membership should be delayed.
SchengenVisaInfo.com reported that the vice president of Bulgaria's parliament made such a comment last week. According to her, Bulgaria "has done its homework for Schengen".

"You have done your homework for Schengen. You have fulfilled all the criteria, and there is not a single objective reason to hinder your membership there. Bulgaria must be part of Schengen. That's it!" Regner's statement says.

Regner's statement comes despite the fact that her home country, Austria, has blocked its entry.

She stated that Austria's decision to continue its opposition to the Schengen extension with Bulgaria was a bad one. Regners also said that Austria's official position is making her "embarrassed".

"Bulgaria is also part of the Schengen family, having fulfilled all the criteria for membership. I am watching very closely when it will board for Schengen, and I am very embarrassed by the official position of my country," Regner mentioned.

Austria has remained steadfast in its opposition to the expansion of Schengen, but the EU Commission recently asked the Council to allow Bulgaria and Romania to fully join Schengen.

In May, the Commission suggested that Bulgaria and Romania should be allowed to join the Area in this year.

In a recent press release, the Commission stated that "The Commission calls once again on the Council to further strengthen European unity and allow Romania and Bulgaria to join Schengen fully."

The MEPs, in addition to the Commission, have also urged a rapid Schengen membership for Bulgaria.

In April, MEPs stated that Bulgaria and Romania should work together to achieve their goal of joining the Area. They also stressed the importance of preparing joint initiatives for both countries.

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, a Bulgarian Member of the European Parliament, said that Bulgaria and Romania intend to hold conferences in their countries in order to highlight the importance their joining the Schengen Area.

Vlad Botos, MEP from Romania, also made a comment on this matter. He said that both countries will enter Schengen together.

Source: schengenvisainfo.com