The Netherlands is against Romania’s Schengen entry, until it sees “irreversible” progress with justice reforms

The Netherlands will not approve Romania’s integration into the Schengen zone until it sees “irreversible” progress with justice reforms, the Dutch minister of European Affairs said Wednesday.

“We have to be convinced that we are on a track that guarantees sustainable, irreversible and lasting progress” in justice reforms, Ben Knapen said in Bucharest, asked when The Hague would give a green light to Romania’s entry into the visa-free zone.

Though hailing Romania’s progress in the fight against corruption, Knapen emphasized “that there is still a lot to be done”, after a meeting with Romania’s minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Baconschi.