Germany: No schengen for Bulgaria and Romania

Germany said it would vote against allowing Bulgaria or Romania to join the European Union's passport-free Schengen zone in Luxemburg if it is put to a vote. Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich told Germany's Der Spiegel's website both countries must take more steps to prevent migrants abusing the system. "If Romania and Bulgaria insist on a vote, the attempt will fail because of a German veto," Friedrich said. The BBC reported Monday a vote could take place Thursday on the two countries' requests for joining the Schengen zone, which operates as an international travel and immigration area with no border controls for people traveling between Schengen countries and only external border controls for those traveling in and out of the area. Bulgaria and Romania have sought joining the Schengen zone since they joined the European Union in 2007. Schengen will scheduled to be discussed Thursday by European Union home affairs and justice ministers.