Joint meeting of the Romanian and Bulgarian Executives
Joint Statement of Prime Ministers

Mr. Emil Boc, Prime Minister of Romania and Mr. Boyko Borissov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria reminding that:
In view of the commitments undertaken by their Accession Treaty, both states have finalized the preparation for implementation of Schengen rules.
The fulfillment of criteria was recognized with a vast majority of votes, by the European Parliament that expressed its stance on June 6, 2011;
The JHA Council on its meeting of June 9, 2011, confirmed unanimously that the evaluation was completed, and both states are prepared to join the Schengen Area, on the basis of a Decision of the Council, which might be taken not later than September;
On the basis of the positive evaluation of Parliament and Council, supported by the European Commission, the June European Council expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved until autumn;
The JHA Council, on its meeting of September 22, 2011, could not reach an agreement and adopt the Decision on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen, although all criteria stipulated by Treaty and Schengen Acquis were met.
Bulgaria and Romania have already contributed to an efficient management of EU external borders;
The Government of Bulgaria and the Government of Romania want to continue and consolidate the cooperation between their countries, with other partners, in Frontex or bilateral context, with other member states, with a view to protecting the external borders of the European Union.
The Polish Presidency continues with determination to prepare the adoption of a decision by the EU Council until the end of this year;
The President of the European Council continues to extend its important support to finding a solution on the path to take, together with particularly interested partners;
They express their strong expectations for:
Return to this issue at the October 2011 European Council meeting, and finding an acceptable solution for all parties, that would allow taking without delay a positive decision for extending the Schengen Area to Bulgaria and Romania.