Romania Celebrates Progress in Public Safety and Schengen Integration

Romania has fully joined the Schengen area, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a model for the application of Schengen procedures. Cătălin Predoiu, the Minister of Internal Affairs, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, 'Yesterday we were candidates, today we are a model for the application of Schengen procedures.' This progress showcases Romania's commitment to effective public safety and international collaboration.

During the ceremony held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Wednesday, Predoiu provided a report on the last three years of the ministry's activities. He highlighted the substantial reduction of illegal migration to 'insignificant levels,' emphasizing that Romania is now 'a country with zero migration.' Furthermore, he noted advancements in combating organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms trafficking, reinforcing the country's reputation as 'one of the safest countries in the European Union in terms of street safety and public safety in general.'

However, Predoiu acknowledged the need for a comprehensive modernization and reorganization process within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He pointed out that public order institutions must adapt quickly to new threats and that the sophistication of these threats, coupled with a severe shortage of human resources, is a growing concern. To address this, he advocated for the integration of new technologies, stating, 'Public safety will be conditioned by the integration of new technologies in almost all areas.'

Artificial intelligence, digitalization, intelligent video surveillance, and the use of robots are expected to become indispensable components of public order structures. Predoiu emphasized that while these technologies are crucial, they must come with robust privacy protections. He also called for updating the legislation regulating the Ministry of Internal Affairs and national security, highlighting that many current normative acts are outdated.

Looking ahead, Predoiu remarked that the Ministry of Internal Affairs will need to be rethought and reorganized in the coming years. Such reform, he indicated, would require 'at least four years of political peace' without elections or governmental instability. In closing, he thanked over 127,000 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for their dedication and sacrifices in public service, wishing for good to triumph for the citizens and the homeland.