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

Atanas Ilkov: "We have achieved a lot in countering migrant pressure

Caretaker Minister of Interior Atanas Ilkov
Photo: BTA

At a press conference in Sofia, Caretaker Minister of Interior Atanas Ilkov commented on Bulgaria's accession to Schengen.  ''We have managed to bring down the migrant pressure to 70% at the border. In the interior of the country, the number of detainees is 46% lower compared to 2023", said Minister Ilkov.

''From January 1, 2025, border control at our land borders will be lifted. Immediately after that, we will restore control at the Bulgaria-Romania border for six months in order to monitor the security environment and be able to react if there are any changes in it. Checks will be carried out randomly and using a "risk analysis" method'', said Atanas Ilkov. He clarified that " the border police will remain at the border crossings because they are responsible for protecting the green border''. ''Some border police officers will also be moved to the border with Turkiye to maintain what we have achieved'', said Minister Ilkov.' In his words, there is no danger that Bulgaria will become a buffer for migrants.



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

Ferry operations near Oryahovo have been suspended due to low water levels in the Danube River

Ferry operations near Oryahovo have been suspended d ue to low water levels in the Danube River.  The situation is not unprecedented and occurs every summer, but this year the water level has dropped earlier than usual, said the Oryahovo-Bechet Ferry..

published on 7/4/25 10:42 AM

President Radev and Premier Zhelyazkov send greetings to the United States on the occasion of Independence Day

Bulgaria’s Premier Rosen Zhelyazkov extended his warmest congratulations to the President, the government and the people of the United States on the occasion of July 4 – Independence Day. ''Bulgaria and the United States continue to deepen their..

published on 7/4/25 10:26 AM
MEP Andrey Kovatchev

EP to drop all references to "Macedonian identity and language" from Skopje's progress report

The three largest parties in the European Parliament — the European People’s Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and Renew Europe have reached an agreement to remove all references to ''Macedonian..

published on 7/4/25 9:51 AM