site.btaAs Schengen Member, Bulgaria Will Continue to Contribute to EU’s Common Security - Interior Minister

Bulgaria, as a member of the Schengen area, will continue to contribute to the common security of the European Union, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said here on Friday during the international conference “Bulgaria in Schengen”, part of a series of EU initiatives marking the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement.

Ensuring both internal and border security remains a key priority in the context of Bulgaria’s Schengen membership, the Minister added. “Following the lifting of controls at internal borders, we have implemented a full set of compensatory measures, thanks to which no changes have been observed in crime levels,” the Minister stated.

He further noted that in November, Bulgaria will undergo its first periodic Schengen evaluation in its capacity as a full member. “We expect positive results that will demonstrate the excellent preparedness of our staff in applying Schengen legislation,” the Minister said. 

Bulgaria has invested significant resources in strengthening border security by modernising equipment, technical infrastructure, and information and communication systems.

The Minister also emphasised that Schengen membership contributes to economic growth, the transport sector, and tourism, facilitates the movement of goods, and helps to promote Bulgaria as a tourist destination. The positive developments, he added, “will have a long-term impact and will continue to grow over time.”