The European Commission has announced the launch of a pilot project with Bulgaria for addressing the migrant challenges and improving border protection.

The pilot project foresees the implementation by Bulgaria of targeted tools and practices in the area of accelerated asylum procedures and effective returns. It will be implemented with strong operational and technical support of the Commission and the key Home Affairs EU agencies (EUAA, Europol and Frontex). The pilot project is based on Bulgaria's good practices and experience, including its excellent cooperation with Serbia, Türkiye and other neighbouring countries, as well as with the EU agencies active in Bulgaria, the EC announcement reads. Furthermore, strengthening the external borders with enhanced surveillance measures to be implemented at the Bulgaria-Türkiye border is a key priority. The Commission and Bulgaria are finalising a needs assessment and the Commission will provide financial support to support Bulgaria with strengthening border management at its external border with Türkiye.