Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Interior Minister refuses to predict deadline for Bulgaria's full entry into Schengen

Atanas Ilkov
Photo: Press office of the EU/BTA

Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov has assessed as serious the support Bulgaria is receiving for full Schengen membership. However, he did not commit himself to a timeframe on whether this country will be accepted into Schengen by land by the end of the current European Commission's mandate. 
The next Commission is due to take office on 1 December. 

Speaking to journalists in Luxembourg, where he is attending the EU Council meeting, Ilkov said he had spoken to his Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner, whose country is vetoing Bulgaria's admission to Schengen, but so far there is no firm position from Vienna, BNR correspondent in Brussels Angelina Piskova reported. 
"In terms of demands from us, there is nothing that we have not fulfilled. We have fulfilled what is asked of us, such as increasing the capacity of the Border Police with all the technical equipment, with all the measures we are implementing to counter organised crime groups organising illegal trafficking, good interaction with Romania, Austria and all other European countries," Ilkov said.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The new ambassador of Italy has presented his credentials.

Deputy Foreign Minister Elena Shekerletova received the credentials of the new Italian Ambassador in Sofia, Marcello Apicella, the Foreign Ministry said. During the talks, both sides expressed satisfaction with the long-standing friendly relations and..

published on 4/15/25 1:20 PM

Shell to explore for oil and gas in Bulgaria’s economic zone in the Black Sea

Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov and Vanya Ivancheva, Country Chair Shell Bulgaria, signed a contract for oil and gas exploration in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. The ceremony took place at the Council of Ministers..

published on 4/15/25 12:28 PM

Bulgarian Banitsa ranks third in prestigious culinary ranking

The traditional Bulgarian banitsa has ranked third in the Best Cheese Dishes list by  Taste Atlas . The Bulgarian Banitsa with Cheese earned 4.5 out of 5 possible points. Dishes from Serbia and Georgia rank 1 st and 2nd, respectively. Famous..

published on 4/15/25 10:53 AM