Bulgaria was officially designated among the EU countries at risk of migratory pressure, BNR’s correspondent in Brussels Anguelina Piskova reports, citing the European Commission’s first European Annual Asylum and Migration Report. The document is part of the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum to become effective in June 2026.

Challenges remain, such as continued pressure from irregular arrivals and unauthorised movements within the EU, the hosting of refugees from Ukraine, weaponisation of migration by Russia and Belarus at the external borders, and cooperation on returns and readmission, the report reads.

Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, France, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Finland are at risk of migratory pressure, either because of high numbers of arrivals in the preceding year, ongoing strains on their reception systems or the threat of weaponisation of migration that could create disproportionate obligations in the upcoming year. They will have priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox and their situation will be re-evaluated in an expedited manner depending on changes to their situation. In addition, to assist Member States facing hybrid threats and increasing drone incursions, the Commission will shortly launch a €250 million tender supporting the purchase of drone and anti-drone capabilities, the EC’s first European Annual Asylum and Migration Report reads.

Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Croatia, Austria and Poland face a significant migratory situation because of the cumulative pressures of the last five years. They will have the possibility to request the Council to grant a full or partial deduction from their contributions to the Solidarity Pool for the upcoming year, the report reads.

Edited by Diana Tsankova
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova
Photo: BTA