The Council of Ministers approved a key decision aimed at strengthening the implementation of Schengen legislation in the country. The government press service announced the creation of a National Mechanism for Coordination and Control of the implementation of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria.
The new mechanism, the significance of which is highlighted by government circles, will play a key role in monitoring the effectiveness and proper application of Schengen legislation in the country. Its work will involve leading representatives from all institutions involved in the implementation of the Schengen rules, at the political level.
Among the main tasks that the mechanism will have to perform are resolving coordination issues, taking follow-up measures arising from findings and recommendations from Schengen assessments, as well as strengthening the administrative capacity of the country. All these steps are aimed at ensuring full participation in Schengen cooperation. The management of the mechanism will be entrusted to a national Schengen coordinator – Deputy Minister of Interior, who will be responsible for EU issues. His work will be supported by six thematic groups, led by relevant structures of the Ministry of Interior and other departments. The creation of this mechanism aims to ensure consistency and continuity in the implementation of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria.
In addition, the Council of Ministers approved amendments to Bulgaria's programs under the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, as well as under the "Asylum, Migration and Integration" fund. This decision provides additional funding of over 152 million euros from the European Union, which will be used to implement policies in the field of border control, surveillance, asylum and migration. The Ministry of Interior, which is designated as the leading department for the programs for the period 2021–2027, will be responsible for the implementation of the planned activities.
In the context of these developments, the Director of the General Directorate "Border Police" Anton Zlatanov, in May, stated that by 2026 the country will have a "smart border", which will include an integrated surveillance system.