Mariya Gabriel at a meeting with Vera Jourova: Bulgaria should be in Schengen

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel on October 27 met with European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova. The Commissioner is in Bulgaria to participate in the first annual meeting of the Balkan Constitutional Forum.

Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area was again the topic of Mariya Gabriel's talks with European representatives.

"I thank the European Commission for the strong and consistent support expressed for Bulgaria's accession to Schengen. The message is clear and unequivocal - Bulgaria should be in Schengen", Mariya Gabriel said.

The deputy prime minister recalled that in September this year, the European Commission formally closed the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism for Bulgaria.

European Commission formally closes the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism for Bulgaria

"The government continues its active work on the implementation of the recommendations of the annual rule of law report for 2023. I would like to thank the European Commission for the decision to close the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. This is a recognition of the government's efforts and the sustainability of the reforms", Gabriel further commented.

The deputy prime minister noted that the key priority of the government is the continuation of the justice reform. The constitutional changes are important in this area. Mariya Gabriel said that the draft constitutional amendments have been consulted with the Venice Commission and its opinion will be taken into account in the framework of the procedure.