site.btaPrime Minister Borissov Confers with German Chancellor Merkel, Comments on EU Migrant Policy

Prime Minister Borissov Confers with German Chancellor Merkel, Comments on EU Migrant Policy

Berlin/Sofia, August 28 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on Sunday that steps were needed to continue the EU-Turkey agreement to stem the migrant flow.

He returned from a visit to Germany late on Saturday.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister had a brief one-to-one meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The talks took place within a meeting which also included the prime ministers of Croatia and Slovenia, Tihomir Oreskovic and Miro Cerar, and Austria's chancellor Christian Kern, which in turn is part of a series of working consultations Merkel is holding about the European Union's future prior to the EU summit meeting in Bratislava on September 16. The talks, whose main topic was the migration crisis, were closed to the media.

In a Facebook post prior to his meeting with  Merkel, Borissov said that he will defend the Bulgarian stand according to which a common European solution is needed, along  with genuine solidarity among the countries in Europe. Borissov  was also set to familiarize his counterparts with the issues he  discussed during meetings in Istanbul on Friday with the Prime  Minister and the President of Turkey. "I will stress once again that only with will and determination on the part of the EU and good  coordination with Turkey will we successfully tackle the  problem. I champion European unity and the protection of our countries' sovereignty. I am certain that reason will  prevail over populism and that we will foster stability and  strength in the region," Borissov wrote in his Facebook profile.

Speaking in the southeastern village of Mechkarevo on Sunday, Borissov stated that united Europe does not benefit from individual countries taking the hard line and giving ultimatums. "Turkey's economy, the problems in the aftermath of the coup attempt, face the country with enormous difficulties. It is having a hard time maintaining more than 3 million migrants. Both the EU and Turkey should make a huge effort to keep the migrant deal on track. Turkey cannot become an EU member immediately, but relaxed visa requirements for business people and civil servants could be a step in that direction." Borissov expressed a hope that threats and a forceful tone would give way to diplomacy because the deal is working, especially for Greece and Bulgaria.

On Saturday after the brief  Merkel-Borissov meeting, it emerged that Germany will help Bulgaria receive additional support for the protection of its borders. Borissov also asked that the Schengen area open at least its air borders with Bulgaria as of January 1, 2017, and that it be admitted to the Eurozone waiting room as part of the process of adopting the euro. This proposal also received Germany's support.

Regarding assistance in the protection of the Bulgarian-Turkish border and extra financing for this, Borissov received assurances from the German and Austrian Chancellors and his Slovenian and Croatian counterparts. Though they did not discuss specific amounts, the participants concurred that the external borders need strengthening to reduce the risk of a new migrant wave. Bulgaria wants the same treatment as Italy and Greece when it comes to European solidarity in protecting the external border. Sofia needs technical support in the form of patrol boats and helicopters, as well as tighter border security, for which it will rely on Frontex and on the EU's financial support.

Also on Sunday, Borissov said that many EU countries, especially the Visegrad Four, were adamant that they would not take in migrants. "We also want the principles of entering the EU to be observed, including finger prints, interviews and checks," he said. He added that he would not allow planeloads of migrants to land in Bulgaria without a working EU-Turkey readmission agreement.

The problem with migrant waves cannot be solved without peace in Syria and the Arab world, according to the Bulgarian Prime Minister.

Asked if he expects financial support from Europe, Borissov said: "We do accept support because this is just moral support and a form of solidarity." He stated there are nearly 13,000 million leva in the fiscal reserve and Bulgaria can buy cars and SUVs. He has asked the Finance Minister to consider how the ground forces and the gendarmerie can be put to better use.

Borissov said he backed the idea of a single European prosecution service, army and border police. "I believe that a single unit will save money and will be more efficient," he said. 

The Eurozone waiting room is a good political solution for Bulgaria as it does not require any commitments for it for now. "As to Schengen, Bulgaria would not benefit from joining it now, but this matter is on the agenda."  

On the night to Sunday, Interior Minister Roumyana Buchvarova said the EU should have a common policy on the migrant crisis, which should be approved and implemented by all countries. She returned from a German visit with Borissov.

Speaking in the Sunny Beach resort, Buchvarova said: "All partners told us that they had always considered Bulgaria a safe country which manages to cope with its problems. We are still coping with them but we also take into account the risk factors which can complicate the situation."

The Interior Minister added: "We met with full understanding from our partners and Chancellor Angela Merkel that the border police and the Bulgarian authorities need technical support, personnel, and political support, which is very important. This is not just about a certain number of vehicles or officers, but about a comprehensive policy which should be adopted by the other EU countries so we can meet this challenge." 

During the night Buchvarova checked bars and clubs in the resort and analysed the performance of the Interior Ministry staff.