EU to increase personnel at Turkish border

The European Union (EU) has decided to increase the number of personnel in the border regions of Bulgaria with Turkey and Serbia through its border protection agency, Frontex. With this move, the goal is to triple the number of personnel serving in the region.

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL TO TRIPLE

Agency Director Hans Leijtens announced at the Kapitan Andreevo border gate that between 500 and 600 new Frontex officers will be deployed starting March 20. This new step will strengthen Bulgaria's efforts to protect the EU's external borders.

HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERTS INCLUDED

It was stated that experts focused on monitoring human rights will also be among the newly deployed officers. This is seen as a response to criticisms directed at Frontex regarding human rights violations and pushback practices.

BULGARIA'S BORDER SECURITY MEASURES

Bulgaria has been protecting its 259-kilometer land border with Turkey with wire fences and thermal cameras since 2017. However, these measures cannot completely prevent irregular migrant crossings.

SUPPORT FOR SCHENGEN AREA ACCESSION

The Frontex Director emphasized Bulgaria's role in protecting the EU's external borders and declared full support for the country's accession to the Schengen area. It was reported that Bulgaria is expected to join the Schengen area in March, with free movement initially provided via air and sea routes.

These developments demonstrate the EU's determination regarding border security and the fight against irregular migration. With Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area, a new era is expected in the region's free movement and security policies.