Andrey Novakov

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.

On a roundtable discussion held on Tuesday, Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov emphasized the pressing need for Bulgaria to be prepared in the face of escalating security concerns, particularly stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a recent interview with GERB MEP Andrey Novakov, Bulgaria's trajectory toward Schengen and Eurozone accession came under the spotlight. Novakov, expressing confidence, hinted at the possibility of securing a 2025 entry date into the land-based Schengen zone once Austria forms a new government.

Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Andrey Novakov and Emil Radev, representing GERB, have directed inquiries to the European Commission regarding the potential inclusion of Danube ports, pivotal crosspoints between Bulgaria and Romania, under the Schengen Agreement.

Bulgarian Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Andrey Novakov, embarked on a bold nighttime truck journey to spotlight the prolonged wait times faced by Bulgarian carriers at borders. His mission serves as a protest against Bulgaria's exclusion from the Schengen area, shedding light on the detrimental impact on carriers due to this exclusion.

The European Commission has confirmed that it received a letter sent earlier this week from Bulgarian MEPs from GERB-UDF / EPP, commenting on the actions of the caretaker government.

Pernik, Stara Zagora and Kyustendil are the regions in Bulgaria earmarked to receive the most generous financial aid from the EU Just Transition Fund.

Targeted investments will be made in the three coal-producing regions to adapt them to European environmental requirements. The Fund is in the focus of the upcoming European Parliament (EP) plenary sessions this week.

The Transport Committee in the European Parliament votes on the Mobility Package. On the Bulgarian side, there is a proposal to withdraw the controversial package from the work of this European Parliament.

MEP Andrey Novakov urges British MPs to abstain from voting because of the upcoming Brexit.

By the end of the year at the latest, we expect a decision whether Bulgaria will receive additional funds from the European budget to combat (African swine fever) ASF; measures at European level are needed, MEP from GERB/EPP Andrey Novakov told Focus Radio.

Late last night, the names of all 17 new MEPs became clear. The CEC officially announced the results of Sunday's European elections. Thus, 5 Bulgarian parties and coalitions will have their representatives in the new European Parliament. These are GERB, BSP, DPS (MRF), VMRO (IMRO) and Democratic Bulgaria.