site.btaUPDATED PM: No Answer Expected on Tuesday from Austria on Bulgaria's Schengen Accession

"No answer is expected today from Austria on Bulgaria's accession to Schengen," Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov told journalists on Tuesday before leaving for Vienna, where he will meet Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

He added that the main purpose of his visit was to explain to the Austrian society and to the politicians in the country that for Austrians it is better Bulgaria and Romania be in Schengen. It would give them better protected external borders and fewer migrants, cheaper food, lower inflation and greater energy security in Europe, the prime minister added.

"This is a process that requires finding solutions at European level. Let us recall that Schengen is a European area that allows free movement of people and goods, precisely because it is better for European citizens. The exclusion of Bulgaria and Romania from Schengen harms Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, but it also harms the citizens of other countries," Denkov said. 

Decision expected in December

Denkov reiterated that all views, including Bulgaria's, are to be considered at the European Council in December, when the final decision is expected to be taken.

Meeting with Austrian business

Denkov confirmed that Tuesday he will hold talks with representatives of the Federation of Austrian Industrialists.

"Austrian business is well represented in Bulgaria. According to unofficial data it is actually number one. These companies are also suffering because there are difficulties in the movement of goods," Denkov said.

Discussion on gas transmission charges not expected

"The issue of the fees has been made clear, they will be sought from Gazprom and not from Serbia, Hungary or any other country," the prime minister recalled. Denkov said that he had discussed the issue with other neighbouring countries, which expressed support for Bulgaria's position. He stressed that the issue was not expected to be discussed during Tuesday's visit.

"Even if it is raised, it cannot be a central topic," Denkov said.

Border protection

Denkov said that Bulgaria has made exceptional progress on border protection, which is visible in the figures presented every week by the Interior Ministry and the Border Police. The country is working very well with European partners as well as the Turkish services across the border. It is undeniable that Bulgaria protects the Bulgarian-Turkish and the Bulgarian-Serbian borders. Authorities also detain migrants inside the country, who have previously crossed the border without any problems, Denkov said before leaving for Vienna.

"The real problem is that Austria has a high number of migrants. It is indeed problematic for the country. Our information is that of these migrants, the percentage coming from Bulgaria is extremely low. Our estimates are around 2%. I can confidently say that we are not a problem for Austria in terms of migrants," he added.

The Netherlands' position

"It wants to get a clear official signal from the European Commission that we are making progress on the recommendations in complying with anti-corruption policies," Denkov said. He stressed that Bulgaria is ready to welcome a mission to check country's progress and continue talks on its basis.