Nikolay Nenchev

Bulgarian Army to Help Guard Border Against Migrants

Spooked by fears of a sudden upsurge in migrant numbers in the spring, Bulgarian MPs have decided that soldiers will be allowed to help police protect the border against irregular migration.

All 156 MPs present at the plenary session on Thursday backed amendments to the Defence and Armed Forces Act, extending the competences of the army during peace time.

Bulgarian Parliament Allows Army to Guard Borders

The Bulgarian parliament extended the powers of the army on Thursday, allowing it to guard the state borders.

This happened after MPs approved at first reading amendments to two articles of the Defence and Armed Forces Act.

The texts were adopted by all 156 MPs present in the plenary chamber, with the second reading to take place in three days, daily Dnevnik informs.

Bulgarian MPs Approve Participation of Allied Aircraft in Joint Air Policing Missions

The Bulgarian parliament approved on Friday amendments to the Defence and Armed Forces Act allowing the participation of allied countries in missions on guarding the country's airspace.

A total of 96 MPs voted in favour of the joint air policing missions, 34 were against, while thirteen lawmakers abstained.

Pages