Foreign policy
News about Bulgaria’s international relations, diplomacy, positions on global issues, and participation in international organizations.
The head of the refugee agency with an unprecedented personal meeting
Ivan Ivanov, the new head of the State Agency for Refugees, broke with the previous administrative practice by personally delivering decisions and holding a direct conversation with foreigners seeking asylum in Bulgaria.
Refugee Policy: A New Leader with a Mission for Humanity and Support
Ivan Ivanov, newly appointed chairman of the State Agency for Refugees, presents a vision for comprehensive support of refugees through large-scale cooperation between state and non-governmental structures.
The State Agency for Refugees: A mission for protection, integration and human dignity
The State Agency for Refugees (SAR) at the Council of Ministers marks the World Refugee Day, expressing its commitment to ensure access to an effective procedure for providing international protection and to work for the social adaptation and cultural orientation of people seeking asylum in Bulgaria. The Agency strives to provide durable solutions based on respect for human dignity and the rule of law.
Burgas and Reykjavik - Cultural partners in strengthening international relations
A cultural delegation from the Municipality of Burgas visited Iceland within the framework of a cultural cooperation project. Representatives of the two maritime cities exchanged valuable experience and inspiration for the development of cultural policy. The meetings and initiatives underscored the importance of culture as a driving force for strengthening international relations.
The State Agency for Refugees successfully implemented a project to improve the conditions in its centers.
The State Agency for Refugees with the Council of Ministers (SAR with the CoM) successfully implemented a two-year project, funded under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), to ensure appropriate conditions for the reception and accommodation of third-country nationals in Bulgaria. The project achieved significant results, including the provision of food, security services and coverage of operating costs in the SAR centers.
New presidential decree restricts foreigners' access to the USA, including Harvard students.
President Trump signed a new executive order banning the entry into the US of citizens from 12 countries designated as "threatening". Similar to his previous "Muslim ban", the new order aims to protect the country from "foreign terrorists", citing the Colorado attack carried out by an Egyptian. The order also limits the issuance of visas for new international students at Harvard, who, according to Trump, "threaten national security".
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgiev participated in the OECD's annual meeting, discussing key priorities for Bulgaria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgi Georgiev participated in the annual meeting of the Council of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. Bulgaria was invited as a candidate country for membership, and Georgiev discussed the progress in the accession process with Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, confirming the goal of full membership by 2026.
Celebration of International Children's Day in refugee centers
The State Agency for Refugees organized celebrations on the occasion of June 1 in the registration and reception centers in Sofia and Harmanli. Children seeking international protection participated in musical and sports games and received gifts from partner organizations. The winners of the children's drawing competition "My Childhood" were awarded.
Bulgarian-German agreement on temporary representation in the processing of transit visas for Turkish citizens
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev and the German Ambassador Irene Maria Plank signed an agreement, according to which Germany will continue to process applications for Schengen transit visas of Turkish citizens performing certain activities in the country. After the expiration of the term, Bulgaria will take over this responsibility.
Refugee children from Burgas performed excellently at the State Championship for Children and Youth at Risk
Young refugees from Burgas showed sportsmanship and skills at the 43rd State Championship for Children and Youth at Risk. They competed in the football tournament, demonstrating enviable results.
State Agency for Refugees organizes children's drawing contest "Childhood for Every Child"
The SAR is organizing a children's drawing contest focused on childhood as a time of learning, play, and fun. Refugee children aged 2 to 18 are invited to participate.