Rising number of Moroccan nationals attempt illegal crossings into Bulgaria

Interior Minister Daniel Mitov told reporters that migrant pressure and attempts to cross the Bulgarian-Turkish border illegally are decreasing. He said that compared to 2023, attempts at illegal crossing had decreased by around 70%. The minister attributed this to several factors, including improved border fencing and video surveillance, an increased number of border police personnel, new equipment, and the efforts of units from Austria, Hungary, Romania and Frontex.

However, according to the minister, quoted by BNR journalist Nikolay Hristov, there is a new trend of illegal crossings, with more Moroccan citizens attempting to enter the EU via Bulgaria. 'This is also being observed in other European countries, and we have therefore taken steps to negotiate at both the European and national levels to limit these crossings."