EU-Bulgaria Deal on EUR 108 M Package to Be Signed This Week

The funding cannot be used for building new border fences or walls, the EU Commission has warned. File photo, BGNES

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said the agreements on the allocation of EUR 108 M to Bulgaria for border protection will be finalized this week.

In a letter quoted by the government's press service, Juncker tells Prime Minister Boyko Borisov that payment, but also the delivery of vehicles needed by border police, are expected to be made "without delay".

The additional sum of EUR 52 M is still being "considered" by the commission.

Juncker is quoted as saying he relies on full cooperation on behalf of Bulgaria to "guarantee successful implementation".

Borisov demanded in September EUR 160 M in EU assistance for border protection. The EU commission granted the request a day later, at a summit in Bratislava, but approved the disbursement of only EUR 108 M, leaving the door open for the remainder.

The money in question cannot be used for putting up new fences or walls along the borders. The bulk of it is expected to be spent on border equipment and vehicles.

The letter comes two days before the arrival of Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU Migration Commissioner, whom Borisov will join for the official launch of the European Border and Coast Guard on October 06.

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