Deputy Foreign Minister meets EU and Schengen diplomats

Bulgaria’s caretaker Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova presented to the ambassadors of the EU and Schengen member states the latest developments regarding our country's application for full Schengen membership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 15.

The deputy minister reminded about Bulgaria's readiness to join Schengen, declared repeatedly by the European Commission and the European Parliament.

Bulgaria's contribution to the protection of the external European borders was recalled, as well as the significant financial, technical and human resources invested in this respect.

Deputy Minister Petrova informed about the calendar of discussions in Brussels on Bulgaria's accession to Schengen and outlined the follow-up actions in order to reach a positive decision by the end of 2022.

The Bulgarian deputy minister also stressed that against the backdrop of the changed geopolitical environment and the challenges facing the economy, keeping Bulgaria and Romania out of Schengen, given that all membership criteria have been met, does not contribute to the common efforts to tackle the challenges. Action at European level needs to strengthen European unity and integration, not further divide the countries.

Velislava Petrova expressed confidence that at the upcoming Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in December, member states will take a decision based on the criteria and the relevant technical arguments, and Bulgaria and Romania will receive support for their Schengen membership.