George Simion Criticizes EU Manifest Shaping Romania’s Future

In a bold statement, George Simion, the leader of AUR, has criticized the manifesto adopted at the PPE Congress in Bucharest, accusing it of playing into Austria’s hands by adopting the theory that pressures Romania and Bulgaria regarding full Schengen entry.

Political Standpoint

George Simion voiced his disapproval of the PPE manifesto adopted in Bucharest, stating that it aligns with Austria’s strategy of pressuring Romania and Bulgaria regarding Schengen accession. He emphasized that no Romanian politician, even from the liberal spectrum, should have supported such a document, underlining the need to separate issues related to EU external border security from the Schengen expansion.

The AUR leader further urged Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, to take action against Austria for blocking Romania’s Schengen accession, calling for the initiation of infringement procedures for violating EU treaties.

On Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen was named the PPE candidate for a new term as the head of the European Commission, receiving 400 votes in favor and 89 against.

Simion demanded concrete actions from Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing the need for accountability and fair treatment regarding Romania’s Schengen entry process, suggesting daily fines for Austria until it withdraws its opposition.

USR’s Perspective on Austria’s Position

The USR party criticized PNL and Nicolae Ciucă for inviting Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer to Bucharest, accusing him of once again mocking the Romanian population by maintaining Austria’s refusal to endorse Romania’s Schengen accession.

They described Austria’s continuous rejection of Romania’s Schengen aspirations, reiterated by Chancellor Karl Nehammer after his participation in the PPE Congress in Bucharest and the meeting with President Klaus Iohannis, as a significant setback for Romanian authorities.

Furthermore, USR representatives condemned PNL and Ciucă for facilitating a platform where Chancellor Nehammer could further disregard Romanian interests, suggesting that such actions serve Russia and Putin more than Austria itself.

TAGS: AUR, PPE, George Simion, Ursula von der Leyen, Romania, Schengen, USR, Austria, Karl Nehammer, European Commission