site.btaBulgaria’s Full Schengen Membership to Bring Benefits for Citizens, Businesses, Investors, Says PM

Bulgaria’s full Schengen membership brings economic benefits for citizens, businesses, and investors, said caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev at a working meeting in the Council of Ministers, on the subject of Schengen on Thursday, the Government's press service said.

Glavchev highlighted the work of the caretaker Government on this issue, as well as the efforts of previous governments. The final result is important, he added, describing Bulgaria's entry into Schengen as a historic event.

According to economists, the financial effect for Bulgaria is estimated to be over BGN 1.6 billion annually. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of hours of saved time and a significant reduction in carbon emissions are expected due to shorter border waiting times, Glavchev said.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was updated on the progress of restructuring border operations with Romania and Greece. Mixed teams of Interior Ministry personnel, Customs Agency, Road Infrastructure Agency, and National Revenue Agency are actively working together, and measures have been identified to be implemented locally. Discussions are underway to adjust road markings and signage where necessary. Efforts are also being made to have all four lanes at the Kulata border crossing operational by the end of the year, the Government press service said.

It was emphasized during the meeting that after January 1 the borders will not be uncontrolled, as the State has its responsibilities for border security. The process will be adjusted to follow a risk analysis approach, with random checks being carried out, primarily focusing on combating illegal migration. The report also stated that there has been no increase in migration pressure at this time.

Earlier in the day, the EU Council will vote at around 11:00 a.m. Eastern European Time on Thursday a decision to abolish checks at the land Schengen borders of Bulgaria and Romania from January 1, 2025. The decision is set as the first item on the agenda for the meeting of European interior ministers in Brussels.