site.btaBulgaria Expects Positive Development under Schengen Bid during EU Dutch Presidency

Bulgaria Expects Positive Development under Schengen Bid during EU Dutch Presidency

Sofia, October 8 (BTA) - Bulgaria will continue its efforts and expects a positive development regarding its bid to join Schengen during the EU Dutch Presidency, said Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Kuneva, meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders here on Wednesday. Koenders was paying an official visit at the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart Daniel Mitov.

Kuneva was adamant that each country should be assessed in terms of its efforts and said that Bulgaria is implementing rigorously its commitments to control the EU external borders.

Kuneva and Koenders discussed the refugee crisis in Europe and the measures undertaken by EU institutions and EU member countries. The two rallied behind the idea that it will be best for the EU if the refugee quotas were mandatory. Kuneva said that in the future the quotas should take into consideration the labour markets in different countries in order to add value to EU's economy in addition to their humanitarian function.

Kuneva and Koenders discussed cooperation between Bulgaria and the Netherlands during the preparations for the Bulgarian EU Presidency in 2018. The Netherlands is among the countries which will assist Bulgaria in boosting its administrative capacity.