Freedom of movement and the abolition of border controls resulting from the Schengen Agreement, are among the highest and most successful European Union achievements. They encourage a sense of common identity, a shared space of freedom, peace and prosperity that we share. Entering Schengen is a priority for the Republic of Croatia and Picula estimates that Croatia has never had a clearer political support of the European Parliament to join the Schengen area.
"Recent years, the Schengen that we know has been under a big pressure of series of critical challenges (immigration, inadequate asylum policy, security threats) and opinion that prevails is that it needs to be reformed. By maintaining the right balance between freedom and security, member states should focus their resources on dealing with common challenges, instead of defending each other. We have a good opportunity to withdraw substantial funds from the EU funds for the management of the EU's external borders. Croatia has the longest external border in the EU and with strengthening its protection, it can contribute to effective migration management. Also, being a very touristic country, entering Schengen would significantly facilitate arrival of the guests", said the organizer of the conference, MEP Tonino Picula.
Schengen is in the heart of European integration and its success must be respected and further expanded and made visible to all European citizens.
Join us at a conference on Friday at 9.00am in Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, Orašac.
See the link for all the speakers and other conference details.
