EC endorses reports on Bulgaria’s Schengen readiness

The European Council’s (EC) Schengen evaluation group has endorsed Bulgaria’s report on its preparedness for the Schengen Information System (SIS). The experts also approved the technical report concerning the control of its border with Turkey, but at the same time underscored the need for further efforts to meet the criteria.

EC’s remarks and recommendations were related to the shortage of staff and equipment and the lack of monitoring points outside checkpoints.

Following the approval of the two reports, EC will send experts to Bulgaria in March, who will prepare a new report concerning only the problematic areas along the land border. The new report is expected to be endorsed in April.