28.11.2024
An Operational Headquarters proceeds with the reorganization of all government offices along the border so that from 1 January 2025 the country is fully prepared to operate in the Schengen area, if a positive decision for Bulgaria is taken in Brussels. This was announced by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev who today visited the Danube Bridge 2 border-crossing checkpoint near Vidin. The workgroup on buffer parking lots that was set up following an order from the Prime Minister will be transformed into an Operational Headquarters that will bring together all institutions involved in border control. The aim is to take measures early enough to allow a timely response if Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen area is approved by the vote on 12 December.
During the first six months of next year, compensatory measures will be applied along our border with Romania based on a risk analysis. The control authorities will gradually pull out within the said six months to let a smooth and problem-free transition and to prevent traffic disorder. “Infrastructure is the main issue when border control is lifted and it is very important for the infrastructure to improve,” the Prime Minister noted.
Prime Minister Dimitar underscored the Bulgarian government’s efforts and the progress that is recognized by our European partners. “It is hardly possible to expect that the institutions would have moved forward without an operating caretaker government in place. If this was true as claimed, we would not have reached where we are now,” Mr. Glavchev said. In addition, the Prime Minister stressed the previous governments’ contribution to the consistent work on Schengen. Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev noted the positive role of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. He specially emphasized the work of the Bulgarian border guards. The Prime Minister was firm that the benefits of Bulgaria’s land accession to Schengen are very great for all citizens, especially for the businesses. The country’s gains could be estimated in billions of leva.
