site.btaTurkish, Bulgarian Law Enforcement Agencies Step Up Cooperation in Fight against Illegal Migration at Bulgarian-Turkish Border

A joint project between Bulgaria and Turkiye increasing the capacity of the security authorities at the common border between the two countries and improving cooperation in the fight against illegal migration in the regions of Burgas, Haskovo and Yambol and the regions of Edirne and Karklareli will be implemented under the European programmes for cross-border cooperation Bulgaria-Turkey /Interreg-IPA/. The project was discussed at a joint meeting of responsible representatives of the border districts at the Directorate of District Administration, Anadolu Agency reported on Sunday.

“It aims to intensify cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the districts on both sides of our border in the fight against illegal migration in the region, in line with European legislation,” the project coordinator on the Turkish side, Senol Filiz, said.

He added that it is envisaged to increase the capacity of law enforcement authorities in the border areas, as well as to improve communication and awareness of EU legislation on these issues.

Bulgarian and English language courses will be organized to improve the language skills of Turkish and Bulgarian officials.

The project foresees the purchase of devices for checking forged documents, optical passport readers, vehicles with cameras, number plate recognition systems and technical equipment for the regional police and regional immigration offices, as well as for the regional gendarmerie in Adrianople, which is entrusted with the protection of the Bulgarian-Turkish border.

The project's funding amounts to EUR 1,730,647 and will run for one year, until 8 November 2025.