A Press Conference Summary
At a press conference in Sofia, Caretaker Minister of Interior Atanas Ilkov addressed Bulgaria's upcoming accession to the Schengen Area. He highlighted the significant progress made in reducing migrant pressure at the border, with a 70% decrease compared to previous levels. Additionally, the number of detainees within the country has fallen by 46% compared to 2023.
Minister Ilkov announced that border controls at Bulgaria's land borders will be lifted from January 1, 2025. However, to ensure continued security, controls will be reintroduced at the Bulgaria-Romania border for a six-month period. These checks will be conducted randomly and based on risk analysis.
Despite the lifting of border controls, the border police will remain at the crossings to protect the green border. Additionally, some officers will be redeployed to the border with Turkiye to maintain the progress achieved in reducing migrant pressure.
Minister Ilkov emphasized that Bulgaria is not at risk of becoming a buffer for migrants. He stressed the importance of utilizing EU solidarity funding for infrastructure development.
The press conference concluded with a statement confirming Bulgaria and Romania's full membership in the Schengen Area.