After the EU summit, the debate on border barriers at the external borders of the Union is now getting underway. Chancellor Karl Nehammer had previously called for a fence in Bulgaria – also with EU funds. Brussels took up the controversial idea and promised money for border security.
“The fact that the European Commission is now prepared to make extra money available is a first significant success! And a very positive and important signal that we are not abandoning Bulgaria to its fate when it comes to protecting the external borders,” the Chancellor said with satisfaction.
According to the EU commission, it is up to Bulgaria to decide what resources it needs to protect its borders. Then they would like to provide further support, said a spokesman for the committee.
Frontex is represented in the country with 137 employees
The EU border control agency Frontex is currently represented in Bulgaria with 137 personnel and equipment.
EU: €205 million earmarked for border security in Bulgaria
In addition, the EU’s multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 has earmarked €205 million for surveillance equipment and training measures for Bulgaria. Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that the protection of the Bulgarian border is also achieved by measures along the entire migration route.
The EU is making some 220 million euros available to secure the borders in eastern Turkey, from which Bulgaria also benefits. “We are working with Bulgaria to make sure it can get the job done,” the spokesperson added.
Nehammer is pleased that his request has been responded to quickly. “Now the next steps must be taken in talks with Bulgaria and concrete measures must follow. I am very pleased that there has finally been movement on the important issue of our joint external border protection,” said the Chancellor.
Austria has put the migration issue on the agenda
According to the Chancellor, Austria has succeeded in getting the migration issue on the agenda of the European Council.
Nehammer: “Austria is particularly heavily burdened with around 100,000 asylum applications. More than 75,000 of them cross the external borders of the European Union, pass through Member States without registration and are only then apprehended in Austria. This is a safety issue and it needs to be addressed.”
The discussion was initiated by European Minister Karoline Edtstadler. On krone.tv she said on Wednesday that “a fence or a wall” should be built around Europe in the fight against illegal migration. Edtstadler continues: “It doesn’t work without a physical barrier.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
