Interior Minister Mitov Visits Kulata–Promachonas Border Checkpoint

Konstantin Karagyozov, BTA correspondent Denitsa Kyuchukova

Left to right: Greek Deputy Minister for Migration and Asylum Sevi Voloudaki, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner and Bulgarian Interior Minister Daniel Mitov during their visit to the Kulata-Promachonas border checkpoint, June 30, 2025 (BTA Photo/Denitsa Kyuchukova)

Kulata-Promachonas BCP, Southwestern Bulgaria,

30.06.2025 19:56

(BTA)

Interior Minister Daniel Mitov visited the Kulata-Promachonas border checkpoint on Monday. Together with European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner and Greek Deputy Minister for Migration and Asylum Sevi Voloudaki, they crossed into Greek territory, marking the occasion of free movement without border checks within Schengen.

"Today we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Area and Bulgaria’s full accession to this Area (effective from the beginning of 2025 – ed.)," said Mitov. "Since then, we have witnessed an increase in tourist flows and trade exchange. Implementing the Schengen measures also means we are taking steps against those engaged in human trafficking, ensuring they cannot continue this illegal activity. I would like to thank our Greek colleagues and the Commissioner for their continuous support throughout Bulgaria’s preparation process for full Schengen membership," Mitov added.

He also expressed gratitude to his Romanian counterparts for the good cooperation and reminded that as of midnight on Tuesday, border checks at the crossing point between Bulgaria and Romania will be lifted. "This is another step forward towards achieving free movement of people and goods between Romania and Bulgaria. Of course, full membership also brings benefits. Beyond free movement, it paves the way for better economic development, an increase in Bulgaria’s Gross Domestic Product, as well as growth in tourism," the Interior Minister further said.

According to him, the most important achievement is the improved cooperation with Greece, Romania, and Turkiye, as well as enhanced security of the European Union’s external borders and the prevention of illegal border crossings by migrants. Mitov said that he expects this cooperation to continue and develop positively in the future.

"This way, we will be able to improve our prosperity, that of the citizens of our countries, and of the European Union as a whole. I also hope to strengthen our strategic security," Mitov concluded.

/RY/