In an interview with public service TV BNT, MEP from the Netherlands Sophie in ‘t Veld said it was almost certain that the Netherlands will not lift the veto on Bulgaria for Schengen before the election for parliament in November. She stated further that parliament is not going to put Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to Schengen on the list of so-called “controversial dossiers” which the caretaker government in the Hague cannot address. But that does not mean the issue will be resolved, Sophie in ‘t Veld warned, and added that the Netherlands could block Bulgaria but not Romania.

“We remain hostage to the domestic political battles in the Netherlands, and in Austria,” Bulgarian MEP Emil Radev said for the BNR. “Our carriers lose EUR 150 million a year because we are not part of Schengen. Romania is already seeking compensation for damages incurred,” Emil Radev commented. “If we are refused once again, then Bulgaria and Romania should work towards a “mini Schengen”, he said.