After January the 1st 2007, the accession to the Schengen area represents the main objective of the Ministry of Administration and Interior (MAI). The preparations for the accomplishment of this objective have started, under co-ordination of the MAI, in parallel with the launch of negotiations on Chapter 24th – Justice and Internal Affairs and have included drafting strategic documents, activities for institutional strengthening, implementation of the 1st Category provisions and monitoring the obligations assumed.

In this context, an important aspect was represented by the establishment of firm co-ordinate and mechanisms in order to accomplish the objectives and necessary measures for accession to the Schengen area.

At MAI level, the Schengen Department was set up, as co-ordinating institution of the process for accession to the Schengen area. It was set up under GD no. 1317/2007 and is responsible to fulfil the necessary measures for accession to the Schengen area.

Inter-institutional coordination for all the issues related to Schengen accession is accomplished by the National Commission for Schengen Auto-Evaluation (National Commission), consultative body, without legal personality, set up under GD 882/2006. The National Commission includes the officials of all institutions with responsibilities in the field and is functioning under the co-ordination of the MAI. The Secretariat of the Commission is provided also by the MAI.

Also, MAI was the Responsible Authority for Schengen Facility in charge with the co-ordination of the Community assistance implementation through the Schengen Facility funds.

By MHA Order no. 163/2016 the Directorate – General European Affairs, Schengen and International Relations was created and it’s coordinating and monitoring the activities of the institutions and authorities responsible in the field in view of completing the Schengen accession process and the participation of Romania to the Schengen evaluation mechanism./p>

For more details regarding MHA, please visit www.mai.gov.ro