site.btaEuropean Commission: Bulgaria, Romania Make Good Progress on Pilot Projects for Fast Asylum, Return Procedures

Good progress made by Bulgaria and Romania in regards of the implementation of the pilot projects for fast asylum and return procedures, the European Commission (EC) reported on Wednesday. The two pilot projects were set up in March 2023

Solid results have been achieved with best practices identified in the area of accelerated asylum procedures and effective returns, border management and reinforced cooperation with neighbouring countries, the EC pointed out.

The EC also noted that in the area of asylum Bulgaria conducted trainings to facilitate the implementation of the asylum accelerated procedures provided for in the Asylum Procedures Directive. This EU Member State also drew up a list with designated safe countries of origin and safe third countries and increased the number of deployments by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).

Bulgaria is in the process of amending its legislation, to allow for the issuing of a negative decision on international protection jointly with a return decision, the EC added. The Bulgarian authorities are also working on the digitalization of the asylum and return systems with the support of the EU agencies and the Commission. Bulgaria has stepped up the cooperation with Frontex, with the implementation of a roadmap providing this country with additional resources, including Standing Corps and technical equipment for border management. Moreover, Bulgaria is implementing a Frontex Mobile Operational Support Team for combating cross-border Crime and signed with Frontex a dedicated Action Plan on Returns, which has led to an increase in return counselling services, EC's report reads. 

A new Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration scheme will be implemented as of early 2024, with increased financial incentives, the EC said. Bulgaria has strengthened its cooperation with Europol to fight smuggling networks and to limit secondary movements within the EU, including the establishment of an Operational Task Force, it added.

The report highlights that Romania amended its asylum legislation in May and further strengthened the cooperation with the EUAA. Romania continued managing its external borders with Serbia successfully, it states. 

The cooperation within the framework of the pilot projects will continue so it can further capitalize on the positive achievements so far, the EC stressed. The Commission recalled that in in June it decided to reinforce the border capabilities of Bulgaria and Romania for surveillance along their borders, through additional funding: EUR 45 million and EUR 10,8 million, respectively.