site.btaForeign Minister in Munich: Illegal Migration Is Significant World Challenge Undermining Social Security

Illegal migration is now a significant European and global challenge that undermines social stability and security, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said during a working breakfast dedicated to tackling illegal migration and its consequences. The forum was included in the Minister's programme during the Munich Security Conference following a special invitation from British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said in a press release on Saturday. Lammy visited Bulgaria last month.

Speaking to his counterparts, Georgiev stressed that the regional and global security environment is very dynamic and preventive action must be taken in order for countries to tackle illegal migration at its roots. That is why the EU is building lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships in this sense, the Minister added.

He also stressed the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to illegal migration and organised immigration crime, and welcomed the initiative of the United Kingdom and Italy to organise this debate.

Georgiev also stressed that in order to successfully tackle illegal migration and organised crime, external borders must be protected and the opportunities for illegal movements must be curbed. He gave the example of Bulgaria's membership in Schengen and the active cooperation with Frontex at the external borders.

"Another important priority for us is support and joint action with the countries of the Western Balkans. We are committed to building upon good results. As a frontline Member State, Bulgaria remains strongly committed to protecting the EU's external borders. Only by ensuring a high level of security at its external borders can the EU guarantee the free movement and security of its citizens inside. We have taken a set of measures to strengthen the capacity of our Border Police, to provide the necessary technical equipment, to improve the organisation of its activities and to significantly increase the number of frontline border control staff. Schengen membership strengthens our capacity to manage migration and fight cross-border crime even more effectively," Minister Georgiev said further.

The discussion was also attended by the foreign ministers of Italy (as co-organiser), Poland, the Netherlands, and Romania, as well as representatives of Germany. The meeting focused on challenges related to irregular migration and organised immigration crime, as well as the potential use of sanctions in this area, the press release reads.