Kostadin Kostadinov, the leader of Bulgaria’s nationalist pro-Russian Vazrazhdane (Revival) party, strongly opposes Bulgaria signing the EU Migration Pact, cautioning that it could transform the country into a sprawling refugee camp. He warns that signing the pact could force Bulgaria to accept refugees primarily entering from Turkey, en route to Austria and Germany, which are most impacted by this migration. Kostadinov stressed the potential implications, particularly if Bulgaria joins the Schengen area, allowing refugees to register in the country as the initial point within this space.
Contradicting these concerns, the Council of Ministers reiterated that there are no fresh conditions tied to the number of migrants from Syria and Afghanistan that Bulgaria would have to register as a Schengen member state. Emphasizing their adherence to the Dublin Regulation signed over a decade ago, they clarified Bulgaria’s commitment to the current protocol.
Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov also addressed the matter, asserting that Bulgaria rejects additional conditions regarding refugees from Syria and Afghanistan. Stoyanov affirmed Bulgaria’s stance of not accepting responsibility for individuals outside its purview, assuring that the situation aligns with the country’s regular reception approach over the last few years.