Law enforcement in Europe

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.

Switzerland has decided to eliminate passport checks at its airports for travelers flying to and from Bulgaria and Romania, following the European Union's recent move to admit the two countries into "air and sea Schengen".

Bulgarian employers, represented by major organizations including the Confederation of Employers (KRIB), the Chamber of Commerce (BCC), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), and the Association of Industrial Capital (AIC), have outlined their business priorities for the year, emphasizing the need for significant reforms in the country.

The Vice-President of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič, announced strong backing for Bulgaria and Romania's full accession to the Schengen zone by the end of the year. Speaking before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Šefčovič emphasized ongoing efforts to reinforce external borders and pilot projects with FRONTEX.

In a recent interview with Die Presse, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner shared insights into the complexities surrounding the Schengen entry of Bulgaria and Romania. Addressing concerns about the overall disarray in the migration system, Karner stressed the need for a functioning system at the European level.

Bulgaria's journey toward integration into the Schengen Area marked a notable development as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel disclosed plans to negotiate the country's accession to Schengen for land borders in 2024. This revelation emerged during the parliamentary Question Time on Friday.

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.

Petar Mastikov, Chief Analyst at the Bulgarian National Registry for New Constructions and Reconstructions, has sounded a cautionary note, expressing concerns over a possible speculative surge in property prices across Bulgaria once the country enters the eurozone.

The Finance Minister, Assen Vassilev, refuted any connection between ongoing tax inspections at numerous Austrian companies and Austria's recent rejection of Bulgaria's Schengen accession. Vassilev clarified that the inspections involving a large Austrian food chain and a petrol station were part of regular fiscal risk assessments mandated by the goods declaration regulation.

After more than a decade of anticipation, Bulgaria, together with Romania, has finally gained entry into the Schengen area. However, the initial approval, effective from March 2024, is limited to air and sea routes exclusively. This development signifies the end of passport checks for flights connecting Bulgaria to the broader European landscape, promising smoother travel processes.