In order to reduce the migration pressure on its territory early in the beginning of the year, Sweden introduced for the first time since the middle of the last century, border control for those travelling to and from Denmark. For this reason Denmark introduced control on its border with Germany, and before that Norway, Austria, Germany and France restored border checks. The Schengen Agreement allows for countries to temporarily restore border control for security reasons and in emergency situations and this had happened before the current wave of refugees to the EU. The recovery of border control is now temporary, but the threat of increased migrant pressure is long-term, which raises concerns about the future of the area of ​​free movement. Not accidentally Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Åsa Elisabeth Romson identified the adopted measures as a "terrible decision" and Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said that adopting such measures was not a happy moment.

Bulgaria is not a member of the Schengen Area, but the echo of the current processes is strong. At the backdrop of sceptical comments, and predictions that Schengen would fall apart, the government continues to aim at joining the area of ​​free movement of people. In an interview for BTA Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov made it clear that the government will defend the request for accession, pointing out the fact that Bulgaria has fulfilled the technical requirements for joining Schengen and in times of unprecedented refugee crisis guarded well its border, which is also external border of the EU. It is expected that because of its big contribution to pan-European security, Bulgaria should enjoy the corresponding benefits Schengen membership provides. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister is optimist about Schengen accession.

The position of Minister Mitov is actually not a new one and continues a series of similar statements made in recent months, but also shows that the government has overcome some internal disagreements related to tactics for the pursuit of the goal. Until recently, some ministers thought that in order for Bulgaria to be welcomed to Schengen it should show consent for welcoming refugees. Other ministers, however, opposed this view, arguing that such a commitment would complicate and delay accession because the refugee problem seems to be a long-term one. Obviously the latter opinion prevailed.

But even if there was no discord on the issue in the cabinet, there is disagreement between ruling and opposition forces. The largest party in the government - GERB is a firm supporter of the goal for Schengen membership. The Reformist Bloc, which is GERB’s coalition partner, also supports Schengen membership. Deputy PM Meglena Kuneva even regrets that at the beginning of 2015 Bulgaria was not active enough in pursuing this goal. According to the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party, however, it was ridiculous for Schengen membership to continue being a priority of the government in a situation of borders being closed and in times when security is placed above the priority of free movement of people, while there are calls in society against the free movement of people in a situation of unprecedented migratory pressure. The government probably also realizes that recent dramatic developments in the migrant crisis have made Schengen enlargement not part of the current agenda. But recalling the Bulgarian Schengen bid shows the Bulgarian willingness to participate in the debates on Schengen reforms. Bulgaria has the right to such participation, because even if it is not part of Schengen, it is subject to its rules and keeps them.

English: Alexander Markov