Romania makes a significant contribution to the protection of the European Union's external borders, with the first evaluation since joining the Schengen Area described as very positive, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said on Monday during an official visit to Bucharest.

He met with Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu, and together they held a press briefing at the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) headquarters.

Magnus Brunner described the Schengen Area as one of the EU's major achievements, emphasising that it must continue to function and expand. He noted that the first evaluation since Romania's entry into Schengen had been very positive and praised Romania's work in this respect, thanking those involved for their efforts. He added that Romania's external borders are, in fact, the EU's external borders, and that the country makes a significant contribution to protecting them, according to the official translation of his press briefing.

The European Commissioner commended Minister Predoiu for his efforts in advancing Romania's accession to the Schengen Area.

Brunner said he was very pleased to have met the minister and to collaborate on Schengen matters. He acknowledged the minister's personal efforts in Romania's accession to the Schengen area, noting that the minister had played a significant role at the European level and expressing his gratitude for this major achievement during his first year in office while touring European capitals.

He stressed that the European Commission's responsibility is to support member states, highlighting not only financial assistance but also the crucial role played by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency - Frontex.

Brunner explained that, as part of his role at the Commissioner's Office, he was tasked with facilitating the objectives Romania and other member states aim to achieve. He said the Commission was trying to provide support not only through financial allocations but also through the operation of Frontex, which has a significant presence and enhanced capacity in Romania. He added that this was justified given Romania's position and that the Commission intended to continue supporting the country in this way.

The European Commissioner emphasised the ongoing efforts to combat illegal migration, describing it as a key element in protecting the EU's borders. He noted that all member states have agreed on a reform of asylum and migration policies, which will continue until June 2026, and praised Romania for being at the forefront of its implementation.

Brunner highlighted that the reform essentially introduces a new policy for entry and exit within the Schengen area. He remarked that Romania probably operates the world's most advanced IT system at its Schengen border crossings, processing vast amounts of data, including biometric information and fingerprints, to support border control. The Commissioner stressed that implementing this policy is crucial to limiting access to the EU and Schengen borders, recalling the migration challenges of the past decade and underlining the importance of the asylum and migration pact in controlling external access. He concluded by reaffirming the Commission's commitment to continue supporting all member states in these efforts.