Bulgaria and Belgium agreed on the need for a common migration approach
09 September 2015 News
“The relations between our countries are characterized by a very high degree of trust not only in our bilateral dialogue, but also as partners in the EU and NATO.” This statement was made by Minister Daniel Mitov during the joint press conference with his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of the Bulgarian Foreign Minister.
Minister Mitov underlined Belgium’s extremely useful contribution to the European perspective of the Western Balkans. “Belgium is not only one of the founders, but also a driving force behind the EU integration processes,” the Bulgarian top diplomat said. During the meeting both ministers focused on the need for a common approach in the fight against the Islamic extremism and the resulting refugee flows. Daniel Mitov and Didier Reynders called for an urgent adaptation of the EU policy on migration and refugees to the current situation. They expressed their support for creating refugee camps both within the EU and in countries outside the Union, saying that such measure will reduce the migration flow.
According to Minister Mitov, the EU Member States have to be obligated to increase the criminal penalties for human trafficking. “The Dublin Regulations have been set in times very different from the current situation and circumstances. Among the possible changes is the establishment of a common migration approach so that refugees would be able to choose the country they will be registered in. Another way to address the situation is by introducing a common refugee status across the EU,” the Bulgarian top diplomat suggested. “Bulgaria will take responsibility and will actively participate in the allocation and relocation on a solidarity principle. However, Bulgaria’s GDP should be taken into consideration, as well asthe fact, that already there are many refugees on our territory,” Minister Mitov pointed out.
During the meeting the two foreign ministers discussed Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area. Minister Reynders expressed his support for the entry of our country into Schengen, noting the need for reforms in the justice sector, combating corruption and border security.
Both diplomats expressed their willingness to deepen the bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and economic relations, energy sector, etc. Minister Mitov highlighted the good economic cooperation between the two countries and stated that Belgium is the second biggest investor in Bulgaria for 2015. In the context ofthe talks on Energy Union, Didier Reynders noted the need for a common European energy vision especially in view of the crisis in Ukraine. "We should also take into consideration the individual requirements of the Member States, as it is important to comply with them on European level," added Reynders.
The foreign ministers also discussed EU’s support for Ukraine and the common will to engage Russia in the joint efforts to cope with the existing conflicts in the Near and Middle East.
Earlier that day at a press conference with Deputy Prime Ministers Rumyana Bachvarova, Meglena Kuneva and Ivailo Kalfin, Minister Mitov once again emphasized the need to find urgent solution to the problem with the so-called Islamic State. The ministers agreed thatthe revision of the Dublin agreement is urgent and our country will continue to insist on clear and unified European policy that reflects all aspects of the current situation, as well as the specificities of the different countries.
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