“Bulgaria now has one of the most secure external EU borders,” Vice President Iliana Iotova said, in answer to a question about the country’s preparedness for an influx of refugees from the Middle East. “Just take a look at what is happening in Italy and Greece,” Vice President Iotova told reporters.

“In spite of the many voices we have been hearing inside and outside the country, the voices of the sceptics about our entry into Schengen, I believe that Bulgaria will, once again, succeed. Of course the task is not ours alone. My criticism is targeted at the European institutions because, as you know, the migration pact is blocked. Some of its clauses do not benefit Bulgaria because the Dublin agreement will continue to be effective,” Iliana Iotova said, and added that this means we are destined to be a country that will have to take care of the migrants who will set foot on EU territory for the first time as they cross the border of Bulgaria.