Text tabled : B7-0532/2011

  Clemente Mastella (PPE), in writing. – (IT) We consider the free movement of persons to be a fundamental right which must be guaranteed to all EU citizens, as expressly laid down in the Treaties.

The creation of the Schengen area and the integration of the Schengen acquis into the EU framework is one of the greatest achievements of the European integration process and, in this regard, we believe that Romania and Bulgaria have fulfilled all the criteria for successful conclusion of the evaluation process, as certified, moreover, by Parliament in its resolution of 8 June 2011 and by the Council in its conclusions of 9 June 2011. Both countries have fundamentally redesigned and reorganised their integrated border management systems by investing substantially in their law enforcement authorities, including the provision of training and the latest technology, and have visibly reinforced their institutional and legal frameworks.

We therefore urge all Member States to take the decision on enlarging the Schengen area to include Bulgaria and Romania solely on the basis of the Schengen acquis and procedures. Indeed, we believe that additional criteria cannot be imposed on Member States which are already in the process of joining the Schengen area.