site.btaWhen Responsibility for Migration Is Greater, Solidarity Should Also Be Greater, Says MEP Tsvetelina Penkova

October 25 (BTA) - During a discussion on migration and the role of institutions and society held here on Monday, Bulgarian MEP Tsvetelina Penkova said that when the responsibility for migration issues is greater, solidarity must be greater, too. The discussion took place in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

When adequate funding is not provided to tackle migration-related problems and border protection, they are only wishful policies, Penkova noted.

The MEP assessed the establishment of the European Asylum Support Office as a success. However, Penkova stressed that the EU, as a large community, must help eliminate the root cause of these migration waves.

Vice President Iliana Iotova also took part in the discussion. According to her, Bulgaria must prepare its own consolidated position to defend in the EU. Part of it, in her opinion, is for Bulgaria to continue to assert its intention not to open additional centres for refugees and illegally staying foreigners.

Haskovo and the region are tied to the security of Bulgaria and the EU. Bulgaria's southern border with Turkey is the most problematic one, and the fence needs to be repaired. "Tiny Bulgaria must build its sanitary cordon along its border to prevent huge masses of people entering from neighbouring Turkey," Iotova said.

ZH/MT