Italy supports Bulgaria's full-fledged membership in the Schengen area, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said. Mattarella is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev. The two discussed the development of relations in economy, defense, culture and education.

2024 marks the 145th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Italy. Rumen Radev thanked Mattarella for Italy's consistent support for Bulgaria’s full-fledged membership in Schengen, the Eurozone and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.The two countries have similar positions on the migration issue. As frontline countries, Bulgaria and Italy support the decision to adopt the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.