site.btaDeputy Interior Minister Temelakiev: Partnerships with Third Countries Are Key to Overcoming Modern Challenges

Deputy Interior Minister Stoyan Temelakiev took part in an informal Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Budapest, held within in the framework of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, his ministry said in a press release on Monday.

"Bulgaria will continue to contribute to strengthening mutual trust and the good functioning of Schengen, including in the framework of the regional cooperation initiative on the migration route," Temelakiev said during discussions on the priorities for the new strategic agenda. Among them, he highlighted the guarantee of a high level of security for citizens in the face of contemporary security challenges, which are increasingly complex, interconnected and with a pronounced digital element. Efforts should continue to prevent illegal migration, combat migrant smuggling networks and increase the effectiveness of returns, including through the implementation of innovative solutions and the establishment of partnerships with third countries. Preparations for the implementation of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum remain a key moment in the area.

For Bulgaria, as a frontline country, of particular importance is the external dimension of migration, which plays an important role in preventing and reducing pressure at the EU's external borders, combating migrant trafficking and increasing the effectiveness of return. "To be successful, the work must continue to be based on several principles - applying a comprehensive approach based on partnerships with third countries of origin and transit, ensuring adequate funding and respecting the geographical balance", underlined Deputy Minister Temelakiev and highlighted the importance of Turkiye and the Western Balkan countries for Bulgaria. He also highlighted the need for sufficient resources to strengthen the external borders, address the challenges of irregular migration and support countries that have received large numbers of refugees from Ukraine.

In the context of the fight against organized crime, the expectation was expressed that the changes to the Europol Regulation would improve capacity in the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The use of the capabilities of the EMPACT platform is important to improve operational cooperation. Implementing the interoperability of EU information systems is important for improving information exchange.