Full application of the Schengen acquis in Croatia

The Schengen area, which is free of systematic controls at internal borders, comprises 22 EU Member States and four non-EU associated countries. While four other Member States – Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania – are bound by the Schengen body of EU law (acquis), internal border controls have not yet been lifted for them. Following a positive Schengen evaluation of Croatia, the Council has prepared a draft decision on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Croatia, and requested the European Parliament's opinion. Parliament is expected to vote on the draft Council decision during the November I part-session.