The Netherlands suddenly 'turned the car', giving the green light for this Eastern European country to join the Schengen free travel area.

A delegation led by the European Commission recently visited Bulgaria and found no shortcomings, including border controls.

Hà Lan bật đèn xanh để Bulgaria gia nhập Schengen. (Nguồn: Reuters)

The Netherlands gives the green light for Bulgaria to join Schengen. (Source: Reuters)

European media quoted Dutch Deputy Justice Minister Eric van der Burg as saying that the government had "come to the conclusion that Bulgaria meets the conditions set for joining Schengen" by strengthening border controls and combating illegal migration.

The Schengen area includes 23 of the 27 European Union (EU) member states, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The Netherlands and Austria have so far blocked Bulgaria's bid to join Schengen, fearing that the influx of refugees could increase if the Schengen area is expanded.

A delegation led by the European Commission recently visited the Eastern European country of Bulgaria and found no shortcomings, including border control issues, according to Dutch Deputy Justice Minister Van der Burg.

"The government welcomes the results of the fact-finding missions and agrees with the conclusions of experts from member states and the European Commission," the Dutch official said.

However, Mr Van der Burg added that Bulgaria must "continue its efforts to strengthen its borders".

Source