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Cătălin Predoiu and Magnus Brunner: Romania, a pillar of stability in protecting Schengen borders and combating illegal migration

by AI | 21.Oct 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Romania is seen as a trusted partner in defending European borders and in the responsible management of migration, as well as a state that has confirmed its status as a full member of Schengen.

Joint press conference held by Deputy Prime Minister Catalin Predoiu (dr.), the Romanian Minister of Internal Affairs, and the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner (l) (c) CRISTIAN NISTOR / AGERPRES PHOTO

Bucharest – The Romanian Minister of Internal Affairs, Cătălin Predoiu, and the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, emphasized in a joint press conference on Monday in Bucharest the essential role of Romania in protecting the external borders of the European Union and in reducing the phenomenon of illegal migration.

Predoiu stated that “the phenomenon of illegal migration is almost zero” due to the measures taken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including the allocation of increased human, logistical, and financial resources to the Border Police. The minister mentioned close cooperation with neighboring states and European institutions: “We have programs through which we jointly protect the border, joint actions and teams, data centers, and information sharing between border police.”

He highlighted active collaboration with Serbia and Bulgaria, as well as the risks in border areas, where “smuggling networks are well-equipped, know the terrain, and often attack border police.” In this context, Predoiu emphasized that Romania is not facing a migration crisis, but rather contributes to the security of the entire Union: “We manage to maintain control of the borders, protecting not only Romania but also the eastern and southeastern border of the EU.”

The minister also announced the completion of the first evaluation mission after Romania’s accession to Schengen: “The official report will be published in November, but I can already say that Romania has passed this test very well.”

Commissioner Magnus Brunner confirmed Romania’s performance, stating that “the first evaluation since entering the Schengen area was very good” and that “Romania has a significant contribution to protecting the external borders of the European Union.” The European official congratulated Minister Predoiu’s efforts, whom he symbolically referred to as “Mr. Schengen,” highlighting his personal role in Romania’s accession to the European area of free movement.

Brunner appreciated the cooperation with Frontex and promised continued European support: “We are trying to support you not only financially but also through the operation of Frontex, which has an increased presence in Romania.” At the same time, he highlighted the importance of implementing the new Pact on Asylum and Migration, emphasizing that Romania is a “leader” in this process and that the EU member states have, overall, one of the most modern IT systems in the world at the Schengen border crossing points, based on biometric data and advanced technologies for effective border control.

The European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, made an official visit to Bucharest on Monday where he met with President Nicuşor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs Cătălin Predoiu, and representatives of the committees for European affairs and defense in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of Romania. (20.10.2025)