Mariya Gabriel: Schengen is stronger with Bulgaria
31 March 2024 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel participated in an official ceremony at Sofia Airport to mark Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Acad. Nikolay Denkov, Head of the EC Representation in Bulgaria Yordanka Chobanova, Minister for Interior Kalin Stoyanov, Minister for Transport and Communications Georgi Gvozdeykov and CEO of SOF Connect Jesús Caballero.
‘Bulgaria's accession to Schengen with the lifting of controls at the air and sea borders is a historic moment. Together we show what security means through cooperation. Bulgaria becomes part of a community of millions of people travelling freely, with benefits, for business, tourism and cultural exchange. This is a result achieved with united efforts and common work. Bulgaria is no longer just an observer of the debates related to a well-functioning Schengen. Bulgaria is part of the countries setting the direction and contributing with its experience to the future of Schengen and the security of citizens’, Mariya Gabriel said.
She expressed her gratitude to the Bulgarian governments, the National Assembly and the Border Police who have worked consistently to advance this important national priority. The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked the European Commission, the Spanish and Belgian Presidencies and the Member States for their support, and the Netherlands and Austria for the constructive discussions.
‘Schengen is stronger with Bulgaria. We have shown and will continue to prove that Bulgaria has a key role to play and is making systematic efforts to protect the EU's external borders in close cooperation with all neighbouring countries and EU agencies. I wish success in achieving the ultimate goal of the subsequent abolition of controls at the land borders as well’, Mariya Gabriel concluded.
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