At a press conference in Sofia, Caretaker Minister of Interior Atanas Ilkov commented on Bulgaria's accession to Schengen.  ''We have managed to bring down the migrant pressure to 70% at the border. In the interior of the country, the number of detainees is 46% lower compared to 2023", said Minister Ilkov.

''From January 1, 2025, border control at our land borders will be lifted. Immediately after that, we will restore control at the Bulgaria-Romania border for six months in order to monitor the security environment and be able to react if there are any changes in it. Checks will be carried out randomly and using a "risk analysis" method'', said Atanas Ilkov. He clarified that " the border police will remain at the border crossings because they are responsible for protecting the green border''. ''Some border police officers will also be moved to the border with Turkiye to maintain what we have achieved'', said Minister Ilkov.' In his words, there is no danger that Bulgaria will become a buffer for migrants.

• Еmil Radev: We need to take advantage of the EU solidarity for funding infrastructure

  
  

• Bulgaria and Romania become full members of Schengen