23.10.2025
“Bulgaria makes maximum efforts to ensure the steady protection of external borders and to counter illegal operations of the networks that engage in trafficking in human beings and organization of the routes and transportations.” This was stated by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov when he attended a high-level meeting on migration. The meeting was organized by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The discussion was held before today’s session of the European Council and brought together European leaders to discuss the common challenges concerning the management of migration processes, the defense of the EU’s external borders and the expansion of partnership with third countries.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the returns of irregular migrants are a key component of the effective management of migration processes where Bulgaria supports the establishment of a common European return system based on MANDATORY mutual recognition of return decisions. The Prime Minister noted the intensification of communication with third countries that pose a migratory risk and welcomed the continued commitment of the European Commission and of the EU agencies in this dialog.
As a good relevant example, the Prime Minister cited the joint letter on willed and forced returns to Afghanistan signed by twenty interior ministers of EU member states, Bulgaria included. As he said, the initiative would contribute to a more coordinated and effectual pan-European response to the challenges related to returns.
Rossen Jeliazkov welcomed the EU’s ongoing work to improve the rules related to “the safe third country” concept and “the list of countries of origin considered to be safe” and assured that as heretofore Bulgaria is a constructive and reliable partner in the upcoming discussions.
Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov stressed Bulgaria’s support for innovative solutions in the field of migration, including the drafting of a European legal frame for return centers, in line with international law and with RESPECT FOR fundamental human rights.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov emphasized that a lasting solution to migration challenges requires sustainable development in the countries of origin and transit and that the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) must provide sufficient resources for flexible financing to this effect.
