Domains under evaluation :

The removal of internal border controls leading to the accession to the Schengen area is preceded by an evaluation process involving: filling in an extended questionnaire, answering additional questions from the Member States, and undertaking field evaluation visits.

During 2009 and 2010, Schengen evaluation missions were organized in order to verify on the spot the implementation of the Schengen acquis, in the following fields: police cooperation, data protection, visas, land, sea and air borders, SIS/SIRENE.

Following the Schengen evaluation visits on the spot, Schengen evaluation reports were drafted for each field and adopted in SCHEVAL WG, in Brussels.

The main conclusion of the Schengen evaluation reports is that Romania has reached an advanced level in the implementation of the Schengen acquis and is prepared for Schengen accession.

Each evaluation report contains the legal, procedural and infrastructure recommendations which Romania must implemented before the accession to the Schengen area.

Owing to obvious progress in implementing the recommendations of the evaluation teams, the Council Decision no 365/29.06.2010 for the application of the Schengen acquis concerning the Schengen Information System in Romania and Bulgaria, which allows Romania to consult and provide SIS data, was adopted.