site.btaGovernment Determines Bodies to Screen Third-Country Nationals

The Cabinet Wednesday designated screening authorities pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on the introduction of screening of third-country nationals at the external borders of the EU, the Government Information Service reported. Bulgaria thus complies with its obligation as an EU Member States to designate screening authorities, whose employees must possess the appropriate knowledge and have undergone the necessary training.

The main objective is to achieve compliance of the national legal framework with the EU legal framework with regard to the Pact on Migration and Asylum and, in particular, to determine the authorities for the screening procedure.

Bulgaria designates the following screening authorities at the Interior Ministry: General Directorate of Border Police as a screening authority at external borders and on the territory of the country with regard to foreigners established in the Border Police's areas of operation; and the Directorate of Migration as a screening authority on the territory of the country.

The Cabinet's decision does not have an impact on the state budget, for which the relevant financial justification has been prepared and attached, approved by the Finance Minister, the press release reads.