Publicat pe 29/11/2023

Bucharest, November 29th, 2023: The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR), Mr. Mihai Daraban received, on November 29^th, this year, the visit of the new Economic Counselor, from the Austrian Embassy in Romania, Mr. Christoph Grabmayr, visiting the National Chamber for the first time.

During this meeting, the parts discussed the means by which joint efforts to develop bilateral economic relations can be continued, by boosting the dialogue between Austrian and Romanian companies. At the same time, the agenda also included issues related to Romania’s accession to the Schengen area and the effects resulting from the postponement of our country’s accession to the European free movement area.

The president of CCIR, Mr. Mihai Daraban, stated: “The most consistent obstacle, by delaying Romania’s accession to the Schengen area, is the blockage of goods transport at the borders, which brings with it huge losses. CCIR comes with the proposal, to the political class, that Romania’s accession to Schengen should be done in two steps: first, and most urgently, there should be a free passage for the transport of goods, the second step, the transit of people.”

Mr. councilor Christoph Grabmayr, said: “I am impressed by CCIR’s involvement in solving the problems of the business community in Romania. At the same time, I assure you that I will convey the message of the CCIR president to the authorities in Vienna”.

Background

At the end of December 2023, it would put to a vote a possible accession of Romania and Bulgaria, in stages, first with the air borders, from March next year, and then with the road and maritime borders, in the second stage.