The European Commission has confirmed its position against tying Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen zone entry with additional clauses and with the post-accession progress monitoring known as the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism.

The information was reported by the Brussels's correspondent of the Bulgarian National Radio, BNR, who said the situation was clarified by the spokesperson of the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmstrom.

"There is no legal connection between the assessment of Schengen preparedness and the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. Our opinion is that the joining of Schengen is based on real progress and in order for the two countries to enter the zone they must prove they have fulfilled all conditions for the full enforcement of the Schengen legislation," the spokesperson said.

The EC, however, pointed out their only role is to observe the process and cannot make recommendations about the admission of any particular country.

The spokesperson reminded everything depends on the European Council and its decision about Bulgaria's preparedness must be unanimous.

Earlier on Wednesday, EU newcomer Bulgaria made it clear it will aim to accede to the Schengen zone in March 2011 even though France and Germany decided to block the country from joining the Europe's passport-free travel zone.