4/4/2017
Remarks by President Donald Tusk after his meetings with President Radev |
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Good
afternoon. Let me first of all thank President Radev for his
hospitality here in Sofia. Our discussions today focused on the
political situation in the Balkans, migration, Schengen and Brexit.
Let
me start with migration. Bulgaria is perhaps the best example of how to
protect our borders. I witnessed this myself today during the briefing
on the situation at your borders with both Turkey and Greece.
Thankfully, the situation is under control and it proves how efficient
the Bulgarian border services and its political leadership are.
Unfortunately, there will be a need for vigilance for a long time to
come.
We
are determined to keep routes of illegal migration in this region
closed. And we remain committed to the full implementation of the
EU-Turkey Statement. The EU is honouring its commitments, just like we
expect Turkey to continue keeping its part of the deal.
I
know that Bulgaria's strengthened border control has put a considerable
pressure on your budget. You have invested a lot of your own security
resources in this task. The EU and its Member States have helped with
financial support and the rapid deployment of a joint European
operation. Only at Bulgaria's border with Turkey, the European Border
and Coast Guard has deployed around 100 officers to support you. Should
further difficulties arise on Bulgaria's borders, the EU has already
planned emergency funding, and stands ready to react quickly in support
of Bulgaria.
For
me the excellent job you are doing at your borders is evidence that you
have made enough progress to become part of the Schengen area. Many
think this should already have happened by now. I can assure you of my
support but we need, as you know, all Member States' agreement. We work
hard to make it happen. Member states have already shown their support
for Bulgaria to be covered by the new high-tech systems we are building
to strengthen Schengen, and this is a promising step forward.
Now
let me add a word on the Brexit talks, which we also discussed today.
Your citizens only recently gained the full right to work in the UK.
They deserve our full commitment that their interests will be
safeguarded. Our goal in this respect is clear: to minimise the costs of
Brexit for all EU citizens wherever they come from.
You
live in a challenging neighbourhood but you are an essential part of
Europe. Europe is not only about procedures and money but also about
shared values, dignity and political solidarity. And political
solidarity means one for all and all for one. Edin za vsichki i vsichki
za edin. Europe will always stand by you.
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