The European Commission has published an operational update on the progress made on the Pilot Projects for asylum and return procedures and new financial support for Bulgaria and Romania. The Commission welcomes the progress made over the past three months since the start of the Pilot Projects in Bulgaria and Romania.

“Bulgaria has been taking operational steps with the Commission's support to improve the accelerated asylum procedures and has designated a safe countries of origin list, in line with the EU rules,” the update reads. "Bulgaria has also strengthened the cooperation with Europol to counter-smuggling networks and to limit the secondary movements within the EU. The Commission is providing new financial support to Romania and Bulgaria for the implementation of these Pilot Projects. Bulgaria will receive EUR 45 million and Romania EUR 10,8 million," the update reads further.