Austrian business should convince politicians in Vienna that Bulgaria's entry into Schengen is important for companies, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel said. 

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, the minister participated in a discussion on the business arguments for EU enlargement. "The solidarity in the EU and the strength of the enlargement process open up new opportunities for businesses. Accepting new countries means that we share common values such as democracy and the rule of law, which in today's complex world is particularly important," Gabriel said. 

She added that the EU should learn to show the good examples in the accession process for the candidates: "We have been working with candidate member countries in various fields. For example, under the Erasmus+ program today students from the Western Balkans have the same rights as their colleagues from the member states," Gabriel recalled.