site.btaBulgaria to Insist on More Decisive Influence on Turkey for Actual Limiting of Migrant Influx towards EU Border

Bulgaria to Insist on More Decisive Influence on Turkey for Actual Limiting of Migrant Influx towards EU Border

Sofia, March 16 (BTA) - Bulgarian will insist on more decisive influence on Turkey for maximum implementation of the EU-Turkey Joint Action Plan and actual limiting of the migrant influx towards the EU border, it transpires from Bulgaria's position for the European Council meeting on March 17 and 18, adopted by the Council of Ministers and published by the Government Information Service on Wednesday. Bulgaria will be represented at the meeting by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

The implementation of the commitments made by Turkey to the return and readmission of migrants is a key condition for making progress towards visa liberalisation, Bulgaria's position reads. The effective control along the EU external boders, which do not come down only to Schengen, is of primary importance for managing migration in the short- and mid-term. The focus should be on supporting all Member States which, due to their geographic location, have to bear greater responsibilities, the document reads.

In relation to the proposal for a voluntary humanitarian admission scheme with Turkey, Bulgaria will underscore at the European Council meeting that the initiative can be implemented only after the influx of illegal migrants from Turkey to the EU has been stopped. At this stage, Bulgaria does not deem it advisable to take part in such a scheme because, as an EU external border, this country has a constant influx from Turkey of immigrants and asylum-seekers.

With Wednesday's decision, the Council of Ministers proposes that the National Assembly ratify the Common Understanding Establishing a Governance and Conditionality Framework for the Refugee Facility for Turkey between the EU Member States and the European Commission (EC), and Bulgaria's contribution certificate with a contribution schedule.

Once these documents are ratified, Bulgaria will send to the EC the signed contribution certificate to the amount of 5.9 million euro with the contribution schedule for the 2016-2019 period. Bulgaria's contribution has been calculated on the basis of the share of the country's Gross National Income (GNI) in the total amount of GNI in the EU.