site.btaUPDATED Prime Minister Glavchev: Bulgaria and Romania Have Fulfilled Their Schengen Obligations

Bulgaria and Romania have fulfilled their main obligations, said caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev on bTV on the occasion of the countries' full membership in Schengen from January 1, 2025.  Glavchev pointed out that the pressure on the Bulgarian border with Turkiye, related to illegal attempts to cross, has decreased by 70%, and the number of illegal immigrants on Bulgarian territory has decreased by 46% compared to 2023.

"These efforts have been made, of course, mostly by people on site, the Border Police supported mainly by the Ministry of Defence," said Glavchev. He added that the meeting in Budapest of the interior ministers of Romania, Austria and Hungary was the penultimate step and the EU Council is to make a decision. The Prime Minister added that small, “fine-tuning” changes to the proposed document are possible. The final decision is expected on December 12.

Glavchev expressed hope that a National Assembly Chair will soon be elected, after which a regular government will be formed. “This is the most normal and natural thing, I don’t understand why it hasn’t happened yet,” he commented.

The Prime Minister stressed that the preparation and conduct of the October 27 elections were carried out in full compliance with Bulgarian legislation. He stated that these elections were “absolutely the most scrutinized,” pointing to the 70% increase in the number of reports submitted to the Ministry of Interior that were processed. Glavchev also noted that there were more pre-trial proceedings and warning protocols compared to previous elections. He expressed satisfaction with the work of caretaker Minister of Interior Atanas Ilkov.

Glavchev specified that during his mandate he did not feel pressure from anyone. He stressed that the caretaker government works in the interest of Bulgarian citizens and in full compliance with the laws. 

Regarding the budget for next year, the Prime Minister commented that a 3% deficit has been set, without increasing tax rates. He explained that incomes will increase, while maintaining the increased pensions. Glavchev added that there is no need to increase the social security contribution for pensions, and that basic taxes will not be changed. The only exception in the Value Added Tax Act is the planned restoration of the single rate for the restaurant sector. “However, this is a matter of discussion. I am simply stating the philosophy of the budget,” Glavchev said. He specified that all salaries will be increased as an average value, but refused to go into specifics, since the draft budget must first be submitted to the National Assembly.

Regarding information that Russia has launched a ballistic missile over the territory of Ukraine, the Prime Minister commented that any such action increases the risks for Bulgaria's national security. He said that as a member of NATO, this country is prepared to give an adequate defensive response to any provocations. 
"I am convinced that our defence is guaranteed as part of the Alliance," added Glavchev.