site.btaDeputy Prime Minister Kuneva:Europe Should Avoid Two Speeds in Field of Security

Deputy Prime Minister Kuneva:
Europe Should Avoid
Two Speeds in Field of Security


Sofia, January 13 (BTA) - A two-speed Europe should be avoided
in the field of security said Tuesday Deputy Prime Minister for
European Policy and Institutional Affairs Meglena Kuneva at a
meeting with EU ambassadors. Kuneva, Justice Minister Hristo
Ivanov and Deputy Interior Minister Filip Gounev held a working
lunch with EU ambassadors, organized by the Cyprus Embassy here.

"We look at Bulgaria's entry to Schengen as a question of
security within the context of the latest developments in Paris
and we insist that Bulgaria's preparedness to join Schengen is
acknowledged. I hope you will convey this message to your
governments," said Kuneva. She added that Bulgaria is against
linking its entry to Schengen with the Cooperation and
Verification Mechanism (CVM).

Among the highlights of the meeting were security along the
Bulgarian-Turkish border, migratory pressure and refugee
integration. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the European
Union should forge a common migration and integration policy as
these issues affect a large number of countries.

On the agenda was the upcoming CVM report by the European
Commission in the field of home affairs and the fight against
corruption and organized crime.

Justice Minister Hristo Ivanov outlined the main aspects of a
judicial reform strategy proposed by the government, voicing
expectation that it will be widely accepted.

Deputy Interior Minister Filip Gounev briefed the EU ambassadors
on a road map for reforms at the Interior Ministry, an issue
which will be taken stock of in the future CVM report at the end
of January. PK/PP

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