European Union

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.

In a recent Eurobarometer survey by the European Commission, 57% of Bulgarians expressed their expectation for governmental action to address the soaring cost of living. This sentiment outstrips the EU average of 48%, underscoring a pressing issue in the country, BTA reported. Interestingly, similar or higher proportions of citizens in 13 other EU nations also share this concern.

EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson stated that by the conclusion of the previous month, gas reserves across the EU had reached a historical peak for this time of year, standing at 58% capacity.

The European Parliament has greenlit a new Migration and Asylum Plan, marking a significant shift in EU migration policy. The plan introduces mandatory quotas for the distribution of migrants among EU member states and establishes a novel approach to processing asylum applications.

Every country that wants to become a member of the European Union "must fulfill the conditions," Natasa Pirc Musar, the president of Slovenia, tells Kathimerini, discussing the integration of the Western Balkans.

Lawmakers are to vote later Wednesday on a major revamp of the European Union's migration laws, aiming to end years of division over how to manage the entry of thousands of people without authorization and deprive the far-right of a vote-winning campaign issue ahead of June elections.

In a recent announcement by the European Commission, significant progress has been reported in the joint efforts to safeguard the external borders of Bulgaria and Romania. The EU's support has yielded promising outcomes, particularly in the areas of migrant returns, asylum procedures, and countering smuggling activities.

Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, the Greek operation commander of the European naval mission Aspides, designed to protect ships sailing through the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, said on Monday that "we are also preparing for any deterioration of the situation in the region." 

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.

ALDE co-chair Ilhan Kyuchyuk emphasized Bulgaria's imperative for full membership in the Schengen Area during Monday's EU Meets the Balkans Forum in Sofia.

Kyuchyuk asserted that Bulgaria rejects a "quasi-state" status and demands full integration into the Schengen Zone, highlighting the country's potential contributions to EU integration and its added value within the union.