Illegal migration across Bulgaria's borders has decreased by 71% in the first eight months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. These data were presented by the head of the Border Police, Anton Zlatanov, at a meeting of the Management Board of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).

At the same time, according to information presented by Frontex, there is a 24% increase in pressure along the Eastern Mediterranean route, the Ministry of the Interior reports. Together with the representative from Romania, Zlatanov pointed out the need for Bulgaria and Romania to be admitted to Schengen by land. Both countries reiterated the absence of any professional arguments for continuing the current situation.

Until the end of the operational year 2024, Frontex will continue to deploy increased number of employees (165) from the permanent corps along the Bulgarian-Turkish border in fulfillment of the joint statement of Bulgaria, Austria and Romania from December 2023. In January 2025, there will be an assessment made by Bulgaria and Frontex on the need for continuation of the presence of this number of employees in 2025.