The control on the borders with Greece and Romania will be abolished exactly at the first minute of the New Year. The partial checks at our points with Romania will be carried out in such a way as not to hinder the main traffic. The security of the border between Bulgaria and Turkey will be strengthened, and in addition to Romania, Hungary and Austria, police officers from Greece will also be included in the joint teams.
Here is what else Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov said to BNT.
The joint work between Bulgaria and Romania over the past year, the limitation of migrant pressure on the border with Turkey, as well as the secondary flow to the countries of Central and Western Europe are some of the reasons for full Schengen membership.
"Given the situation in the Middle East, we must be even more mobilized. Much more analytical about everything that is happening in the neighborhood", said Atanas Ilkov, Acting Minister of the Interior.
For this reason, Frontex, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria share responsibility for guarding the border between Bulgaria and Turkey.
"This contingent of 100 people, who will perform their duties at the beginning of January, i.e. the beginning of 2025, is first to share responsibility. To increase security, to exchange good practices and good experience between all related police structures, so that in our actions we can be more effective, the interaction and communication between us can improve. And to build on everything that we have achieved", explained Ilkov.
The active interaction between Bulgaria and Turkey to monitor the migrant flow in our southeastern neighbor will continue, with Greece also participating in this process. The goal is for border guards to have the most accurate information possible about the trafficking of illegal migrants.
"We work extremely well with Greece. Last week we had a meeting with them. We are planning a meeting with the interior ministers of Turkey and Greece in Istanbul at the beginning of next year, so everything related to the flow of illegal migrants will be the main focus of our meeting," the minister also said.
The barriers at the border crossings between Bulgaria and Romania will be lifted and the crossing will be free, but in the area on both sides of the border there will be increased checks on travelers.
"Checks will be carried out only on a random basis and based on risk analysis - when we have acquired information or have received such from our related, partner services, regardless of whether they are from the EU or from third countries. However, the control will not be carried out in the vehicle flow or in traffic. The car or person that we need to check will be taken to specially designated places where we will not hinder traffic," explained Atanas Ilkov.
Such control will be in place along the entire route, including at the borders between Romania and Hungary, Austria and Hungary, and Austria and Germany. The checks on the border between Bulgaria and Greece will be completely eliminated.
"That is, a border police officer will not appear at the counter to ask for your personal documents, and the barrier will be raised and you can pass through in peace.
During heavy traffic, traffic jams may form due to the narrow road connecting the two countries.