Participation of Minister Georg Georgiev in a working breakfast focusing on illegal migration and its consequences
15 February 2025 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Mr. Georg Georgiev, participated in a working breakfast dedicated to tackling illegal migration and its consequences.
The forum was included in the Minister's programme during the Munich Security Conference following a special invitation from the British Foreign Minister, Mr. David Lamy, who visited our country last month.
The discussion was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Italy (as co-organiser), Poland, the Netherlands and Romania, as well as representatives of Germany.
The meeting focused on the challenges related to illegal migration and organised immigration crime, as well as the potential use of sanctions in this area.
In his speech to his colleagues, Minister Georgiev stressed that the regional and global security environment is very dynamic and that preventive action must be taken to enable states to tackle illegal migration at its roots. That is why the EU is building lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships in this sense, Minister Georgiev said.
Among the highlights of his speech was the fact that illegal migration is already a significant European and global challenge that undermines social stability and security. He also stressed the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to illegal migration and organised immigration crime and welcomed the initiative of the United Kingdom and Italy to organise this debate.
Minister Georgiev also stressed that in order to successfully tackle illegal migration and organised crime, it is necessary to protect our external borders and limit the opportunities for illegal movements, citing as an example our country's membership in Schengen and active cooperation with Frontex at the external borders.
"Another important priority for us is the support and joint action with the countries of the Western Balkans. We are committed to building on the good results. As a front-line member state, Bulgaria remains strongly committed to protecting the EU's external borders. Only by ensuring a high level of security at its external borders can the EU guarantee the free movement and security of its citizens within. We have taken a set of measures to strengthen the capacity of our Border Police, provide the necessary technical equipment, improve the organisation of activities and significantly increase the number of front-line border control officers. Schengen membership strengthens our capacity to manage migration and fight cross-border crime even more effectively," said Minister Georgiev.
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