Dublin

Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov affirmed Bulgaria's position on refugee acceptance during a parliamentary committee hearing linked to the country's Schengen entry via air and sea.

The Council of the European Union's decision to welcome Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen zone by air and water starting March 31, 2024, has been formally published in the Official Journal of the EU. This momentous announcement marks a significant milestone for both nations, signifying their long-awaited accession into the Schengen community.

Lena Borislavova, a prominent figure within the "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) coalition, shared significant perspectives and plans regarding Bulgaria's political landscape in a recent interview with the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

Head of the State Agency for Refugees, Mariana Tosheva, disclosed that 590 refugees were repatriated to Bulgaria from various EU nations in 2023. She highlighted the challenge of managing return procedures under the Dublin Regulation, emphasizing the complexity of the migration flow.

Kostadin Kostadinov, the leader of Bulgaria's nationalist pro-Russian Vazrazhdane (Revival) party, strongly opposes Bulgaria signing the EU Migration Pact, cautioning that it could transform the country into a sprawling refugee camp.

The Austrian government has specified five prerequisites for potentially lifting checks at Schengen land borders for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, as detailed in a statement released after the European Council's decision to open air and sea borders for both countries on December 29.

Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov has underscored Bulgaria's stance, refusing additional conditions concerning refugees from Syria and Afghanistan in relation to European regulations and the nation's forthcoming Schengen air and sea accession.

Bulgaria's impending entry into the Schengen zone through air and sea borders from March 2024 has been met with widespread acclaim, signaling a remarkable stride in European integration. Amidst this pivotal development, leaders have offered diverse perspectives on the momentous decision, highlighting its profound significance for the nation's future within the European landscape.

Anton Zlatanov, the director of Bulgaria's Border Police, addressed Austria's requirements for Bulgaria's entry into Schengen, calling them potentially political rather than professional. In an interview with жTV, Zlatanov expressed uncertainty regarding the stipulations put forth by Austria and highlighted the lack of concrete professional arguments against Bulgaria's entry into Schengen.

New conditions for Schengen. Vienna wants increased border control between Bulgaria and Romania, as well as sending Austrian advisers to work with teams at the airports in Bucharest and Sofia. It is also a condition that Romania and Bulgaria accept Afghans and Syrians seeking asylum.