Steps of the evaluation process

The Schengen evaluation process consists in verifying that all necessary conditions of the Schengen acquis are fulfilled. This involves that the candidate country demonstrate its capacity to fulfill the requirements of the Schengen acquis in a uniform, correct, consistent and efficient manner.

The Schengen evaluation is the responsibility of the Schengen Evaluation Working Group of the EU Council.

Steps:

Romania sends a Declaration of readiness on its readiness to start the Schengen evaluation process (On June 28, 2007 Romania sent its Declaration of readiness proposing the second half of 2008 to start the evaluation process on three areas: police cooperation, visas and data protection)r).

The General Secretariat sends an extended questionnaire containing detailed questions on all the relevant issues for implementing the Schengen provisions of Category II.

Romania fills in the questionnaire and sends it to the EU Council.

Starting of the evaluation visits, sending additional questions, questionnaires, etc.

Drafting a report analyzing the readiness of every member state in order to apply the provisions of second category. This report includes recommendations for correcting or improving the less satisfactory aspects.

Decision of the EU Council on eliminating the controls at the internal borders.