International relations

The recent implementation of Schengen rules in Bulgaria has led to the introduction of changes in travel regulations, particularly concerning children's ability to travel abroad. A practical experiment was conducted by family law expert Yordanka Bekirska and her 16-year-old son, Todor, when they each purchased separate plane tickets to Paris.

Starting from January 1, 2025, travelers with children no longer need to provide declarations of consent from absent parents when crossing into Greece and Romania, as announced by Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, Director of the Border Police. This change applies to travel to these two countries, following the removal of land border checks between Bulgaria, Romania, and the Schengen area.

Following Bulgaria and Romania's accession to Schengen, the responsibilities of control institutions have expanded significantly, requiring more precise and comprehensive checks. These inspections will now be conducted based on risk analysis and randomly, ensuring thorough monitoring while maintaining free movement.

Hungary is set to implement border controls with Romania starting January 1, coinciding with Romania's accession to the Schengen area by land, according to Schengen.news and the Anadolu Agency. Hungarian authorities have announced that the measures aim to address potential risks to public order and internal security.

At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2025, Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area for land travel, marking a significant milestone in the country's integration into the European free travel zone.

Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of diplomacy rooted in international law during a conference on Saturday called "Between Two Wars: Trials of Law and Politics in the International Legal Order." 

"Diplomacy is either strictly based on international law, or it is not diplomacy. This will be our motto starting January 1," Gerapetritis declared. 

Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area is set to bring a tailored approach to border controls with Romania, focusing on flexibility and targeted inspections. This strategy aims to enhance security without hindering tourism, commerce, or daily travel. Below are key developments, policies, and implications surrounding the upcoming changes. Flexible Border Controls

Germany will from Monday expand border controls to the frontiers with all nine of its neighbours to stop irregular migrants in a move that has sparked protests from other EU members.

Berlin announced the sweeping measure following a string of deadly extremist attacks that have stoked public fears and boosted support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Israel strikes Lebanon saying it has thwarted a large-scale Hezbollah attack, while the Lebanese group announces its own cross-border raids to avenge a top commander's killing.

The Israeli military said its fighter jets had destroyed "thousands" of Hezbollah rocket launchers "aimed toward northern Israel and some were aimed toward central Israel", far from the border.

Turkey on Friday called on all sides to refrain from steps that could lead to a wider conflict in the Middle East, after Israel reportedly attacked Iran in a tit-for-tat retaliation for Iran's strike.