President Plevneliev expects Bulgaria and Romania to join Schengen Area by end 2013

In an interview for the French TV channel France 24, the Bulgarian President Rossen Plevneliev said that the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area remains a top priority of these countries.

We agree with a two-stage accession of Bulgaria and Romania to this area and we are expecting this to happen by the end of this year, President Plevneliev further pointed out. With regard to the investigation process of the terrorist attack near Burgas, which took place in July 2012, he said that the perpetrators will be announced when Bulgaria has irrevocable proof of those who stand behind this violent act.

On the occasion of the issue regarding the Roma minorities in Europe, the Bulgarian head of state said it was a European issue rather than French or Bulgarian one only. The issue regards the integration of the Roma people and it could be solved with the efforts of all countries, Plevneliev reiterated.

Adapted from Bulgarian National Radio