Netherlands block Romania, Bulgaria from Schengen accession

The position of the governments of Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland is said to be similar to that of the Netherlands. The decision to go ahead with accession could have been made in Brussels on September 22, but Dutch Immigration Minister Gerd Leers believes the two states will not be able to guard the European Union's foreign borders, said RFI. The Dutch government's decision was to be expected, given its fragile ruling coalition, supported by populist and anti-immigration parties. The European Parliament endorsed three months ago a report confirming Bulgaria and Romania's technical readiness to join the Schengen Area.

Romanian Customs Authorities Check Flower Transports From Netherlands Over Dangerous Bacteria Scare

Romanian customs authorities on Saturday are checking all seed and flower transports coming from the Netherlands, following suspicions of contamination with dangerous bacteria. Bihor Financial Guard representative Calin Gal told MEDIAFAX Saturday a truck coming from the Netherlands and carrying flowers and seeds was stopped Friday evening in the Bors customs point, western Romania, for checkups. Preliminary tests made by the agricultural department showed that the products transported are contaminated with dangerous bacteria, said Gal.He added that all transports from Hungary and the Netherlands are checked and will not leave customs points until Monday, when final tests should be completed.