STRASBOURG – We need a strong Bulgaria in a strong European Union to tackle the upcoming challenges, said the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in an interview with BTA.

Bulgaria is an important partner and friend, she noted, and added that the country has taken important steps to address illegal migration and strengthen security. According to her, the concerns of member states regarding migration challenges have delayed the expansion of the Schengen area for too long. 

The European Parliament has always been adamant that Bulgaria and Romania belong to the Schengen area. We supported full accession to Schengen from day one because we know that a stronger Schengen means a safer and more united Europe. I want to congratulate the people of Bulgaria and Romania who worked tirelessly and for so long, to get here, said the President of the EP.

She added that the protection of Schengen is a shared responsibility. The adoption of the Migration and Asylum Pact was a big step forward, which helped us protect our external borders. The updated Schengen Borders Code provides a clear legal framework in case a temporary reintroduction of internal border control is needed, for example for security reasons. It now contains clearer timelines and stricter monitoring and reporting obligations for member states and the European Commission. It is now crucial for member states to implement these measures in practice and work together, explained Metsola.

She outlined the main challenges for the EU in 2025 as the war in Ukraine, the effectiveness of European security and defense architecture, the cost of living crisis, the green and digital transition, and the enlargement of the Community. Regarding the EU’s relations with the USA following Donald Trump’s re-election as President, the EP President commented that a trade war with higher tariffs would not benefit anyone. (01.01.2025)