Schengen Area
EU Commissioner Johansson Evaluates Schengen Controls at Sofia Airport
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson conducted an inspection of border control measures at Sofia Airport, marking a significant step in Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area by air. Accompanied by Bulgaria's caretaker Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov, Commissioner Johansson observed the revamped procedures implemented after Bulgaria's Schengen accession.
Italy Backs Bulgaria's Schengen Membership: Presidents Discuss Enhanced Cooperation
Italy has thrown its weight behind Bulgaria's bid for full-fledged membership in the Schengen area, affirming its steadfast support during Italian President Sergio Mattarella's two-day visit to Bulgaria.
EU Commissioner Johansson: Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen Accession a Crucial Step
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson praised the revised Schengen legislation and hailed the forthcoming accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen as significant progress. Speaking on Tuesday during the presentation of a report on the state of Schengen, Johansson emphasized the importance of strengthening the European border agency Frontex.
Bulgaria's Annual Losses Exceed BGN 1 Billion Due to Schengen Non-Admission
Bulgaria's economy experiences annual losses amounting to hundreds of millions of euros due to its exclusion from land-based Schengen membership. The enduring queues of lorries at border crossings persist, imposing significant financial burdens on the nation. This situation translates into a substantial increase of 15% to 18% in the prices of goods in shops across the country.
German Interior Minister Affirms Strong Support for Bulgaria's Schengen Membership
In a significant affirmation of bilateral relations, German Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, Nancy Faeser, reiterated Germany's unwavering support for Bulgaria's full membership in the Schengen area during her visit to the country on Monday.
MEP Radan Kanev: Schengen Entry Vital for Bulgaria's Border Security
Speaking in Pleven, MEP Radan Kanev emphasized the advantages of Bulgaria's forthcoming entry into the Schengen area, particularly in bolstering efforts to combat smuggling along its borders. Kanev stressed that stricter controls enforced by European institutions would enhance Bulgaria's ability to tackle criminal networks engaging in illicit activities.
Bulgaria's Balchik Airport Welcomes Over 20 Planes from Romania to Mark Schengen Entry
In a momentous occasion marking the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area by air and sea, Balchik Airport is set to witness a remarkable gathering of more than 20 planes from Romania. This groundbreaking event, titled "Schengen Check," represents the first of its kind on Bulgarian soil, symbolizing a new era of cooperation and connectivity between the two nations.
Turkish tourists flock to Lesvos
Turkish tourists are flocking to Lesvos on the occasion of the seker bayrami holiday in Turkey, with more than 1,700 visitors arriving on five ships from Ayvali on the opposite coast on Thursday.
The visitors were welcomed at the port of Mytilene with ouzo, sweets and hats by representatives from the local municipality and other agencies.
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The European Parliament Urges Schengen Expansion for Bulgaria and Romania
In a decisive move to alleviate the burden on European truck drivers and streamline border crossings, the European Parliament (EP) has called for the lifting of Schengen land border controls for Bulgaria and Romania by the end of 2024. This significant step follows the recent abolition of air and sea border controls on March 31, 2024.
Push for Western Balkans EU Membership Highlighted at Sofia Forum
In a recent gathering organized by the European Liberal Forum, ALDE, and the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria, outgoing Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mariya Gabriel, underscored Sofia's commitment to the European Union membership of Western Balkan countries.