“The Macedonian-Bulgarian line of defence has to all intents and purposes been established in view of Macedonia’s decision to close its border with Greece and increase border control and the fact that Bulgaria is constructing a fence along its southern border, a significant part of which is already complete”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó told Hungarian news agency MTI by telephone following meetings with Bulgarian leaders on Thursday.

“We agreed that immigration is the greatest challenge in the history of the European Union and that this challenge can only be handled if we protect Europe’s external borders”, he said.

Mr. Szijjártó discussed the issue with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov.

According to Hungary’s head diplomat, in recent weeks and months we have heard statements from European leaders every day with regard to the fact that the migration crisis is the biggest challenge in the history of the European Union and that it can only be properly managed if we protect the continent’s external borders.

“It seems to me that the EU is conducting pathetic political window-dressing in this regard, because nothing happens the next day, let alone immediately”, he highlighted.

However, the wave of immigration will become increasingly stronger. This is absolutely clear in view of the fact that no steps have been made towards a solution in any of the crisis regions, all crises in our southern and south-eastern vicinity are increasing in seriousness and this will only serve to increase migration pressure on Europe, Mr. Szijjártó said. “We are currently defenceless in the South because Greece is refusing to adhere to its obligations according to the Schengen Agreement. Accordingly, we are getting increasingly close to a situation in which a Macedonian-Bulgarian line of defence represents Europe’s protection against migration from the south”, he added.

The establishment of the line of defence supports the fact that Bulgaria is mature and ready enough for Schengen membership, because in this extremely critical period it has proven that it is capable of protecting its borders. And when the European Union decides on the distribution of funding, this is something it should take into account, he continued.

“Accordingly, Hungary supports and immediately recommends that Bulgaria should be accepted into the Schengen Area at the earliest opportunity”, Mr. Szijjártó said.

“Bulgaria and Macedonia play a significant role in view of the route currently being taken by immigrants. In addition to accepting Bulgaria as a member of the Schengen Area, the European Union should sign an agreement with Macedonia according to which it provides fundamentally financial and technical assistance to help the Western Balkan country protect its borders. Some countries are already supporting Macedonia, including Hungary, which has deployed some 30 police officers there”, the Foreign Minister pointed out.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade/MTI)