Today marks one year since one of the most significant moments in Romania's recent history. One year since the air Schengen and three months since the land Schengen. This is not only an institutional achievement but also a confirmation of our ability to meet the standards that this new status has brought us - that of a fully-fledged Schengen member state.
During this period, border police in Romania, alongside partner institutions, have shown a constant commitment to protecting national security and adhering to international rules. The 3,900 joint missions conducted at the 17 international airports serve as clear evidence of the Romanian Border Police's commitment to the safety of Romanian citizens and the entire European community.
Significant results achieved during this period:
- 106 false documents or those belonging to other individuals discovered.
- 147 individuals identified who were wanted.
- 2.5 million cigarettes were discovered and withdrawn from circulation in cooperation with colleagues from the Customs Authority.
- Over 150 individuals found to be illegally residing in Schengen states were handed over to the competent authorities for initiation of return procedures.
These actions have contributed not only to the protection of national borders but also to strengthening the trust of international partners. A significant case: the discovery of a Brazilian citizen at Otopeni Airport, who attempted to illegally bring nearly 1 kg of cocaine into the country - hidden on their body and also ingested. Modern technologies, such as the eDAC application, have supported these actions, and the 2.2 million checks carried out, including 1.3 million at airports, underline the efficiency of this system. This is an example of how Romania is adapting to the realities of the modern world while maintaining its commitment to the safety of its citizens. At the level of land borders, Romania plays an active role in protecting the region. In the context of BLITZ operations, which we organize periodically, our personnel have managed to discover numerous counterfeit products, smuggled goods - especially cigarettes, stolen vehicles, and others, once again demonstrating that Romania is a reliable partner in combating cross-border crime. In the autumn of this year, Romania will be evaluated within the Schengen framework, and this moment will be one of taking responsibility, as we are confident that this exam will be successfully passed, thanks to the sustained efforts of all the institutions involved. It is a sign that Romania is a state capable of protecting its values and its citizens. We thank everyone who contributed to this success, whether they are colleagues from the state enforcement institutions or citizens who, by respecting the law, made this progress possible. We will continue to work together to ensure a safe future for Romania and for the entire Schengen area!
