Bulgaria makes a significant contribution to the security of the entire European Union. As a full member of Schengen since the beginning of this year, we continue to improve our border control capacity. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in his speech at the Sixth Summit of the European Political Community in Tirana. During the forum, the Prime Minister participated in a round table on "An open Europe with secure borders – addressing mobility challenges and promoting youth empowerment."

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov pointed out that Bulgaria is responsible for one of the most sensitive external borders of the EU and emphasized the importance of cooperation with neighboring countries, especially Turkey. This enhanced cooperation has led to tangible results, with a steady downward trend in migration pressure, Zhelyazkov noted. He also highlighted the importance of partnership on the issue of illegal migration with third countries of origin and transit.

"An open Europe and secure borders are not contradictory concepts—they are two sides of the same coin and must be approached responsibly and strategically, in mutual partnership," Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov added. According to him, legal migration has its own contribution, for example in addressing labor shortages and reducing illegal migration. For this reason, according to Zhelyazkov, the EU needs a policy on legal migration. We are in favor of encouraging the mobility of young people from third countries to the EU and back, the prime minister added, expressing support for the ongoing talks between the EU and the United Kingdom on a mobility agreement. | BGNES