Romania Pretty Sure It Will Join Schengen in 2012

Romania's chances to join the Schengen Agreement in 2012 are estimated at 80-90%, according to Marian Titulescu, head of the Schengen Department at the country's Interior Ministry.

In an interview for Mediafax, Titulescu has declared that he is optimistic and hopes that the Netherlands will soften its stance after the European Commission's report on Romania's judiciary comes out in Fabruary.

The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism report could be interpreted subjectively, according to the Romanian official.

"The Netherlands believes we have shown no progress, while the other EU member states say that our progress is obvious and irreversible," Titulescu has pointed out.

On Tuesday, the Netherlands reiterated that it is not going to change its position on Bulgaria and Romania's bid for the Schengen Area.

The statement made by a Dutch Interior Ministry spokesperson came on the heels of reports that Finland has softened its position on Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen accession.

While the Dutch cabinet agrees the two EU newcomers have fulfilled all technical criteria, it believes there is a need of more and firmer steps in the fight against corruption and crime.