The Bulgarian border is secure and well protected

This was stated by the Federal Minister of Interior of Austria Gerhard Karner

“I welcome Minister Karner and his Austrian colleagues on their first visit to Bulgaria since our country’s full integration into Schengen. Your visit is an opportunity to see in practice the implementation of measures to ensure the security of the EU external borders, as well as the compensatory measures introduced after our accession”, Daniel Mitov told the Austrian delegation.

“Two and a half years ago, I was here with Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Today, I see a border that is better equipped with technology and personnel, and remarkable results have been achieved. Migrant pressure has decreased significantly – attempts to cross illegally have been reduced from 2 000 per day to 60. This is an important signal to EU member states – the Bulgarian border is secure and reliably protected”, said Minister Gerhard Karner.

“The visit of my colleague Karner is proof of our common understanding that this task requires joint efforts and funding from the EU, Mitov noted, highlighting the key role of financial resources - over €300 million from various EU funds provided over the last three years by the European Commission to strengthen border infrastructure and capacity, especially in view of our strategic geographical location”.

The Bulgarian Minister of the Interior thanked Austria for its contribution to the Joint Police Contingent for the protection of the Bulgarian-Turkish border, which complements the activities of the Bulgarian border police and Frontex in their efforts to reduce illegal migration and combat criminal networks trafficking migrants. “We will continue to maintain intensive bilateral cooperation with Austria in the field of home affairs. We are actively working to counter migrant and drug trafficking networks, contributing to the security and sustainability of the Schengen Area,” Daniel Mitov assured.