Bulgaria wants €160 mln in EU aid to stem migrant flows September 16, 2016 - 15:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Bulgaria has asked for 160 million euros ($180 million) aid from the European Commission to help it protect its borders and stem the flow of migrants and refugees into the country, deputy Prime Minister Rumiana Bachvarova said on Friday, September 16, Reuters reports. Over a million people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East and Africa arrived in Europe last year, many coming via Turkey, and Bulgaria says migrant flows through its territory have been on the rise again since June. The European Union's poorest country has built a fence and sent army officers to its border with Turkey but needs EU support to maintain proper frontier protection. Prime Minister Boiko Borisov is expected to raise the issue at the EU summit in Bratislava today. "We have filed three applications for a total amount of 160 million euros to the European Commission. We have asked for technical support, for support to build video surveillance and support for operational activities," Bachvarova told parliament, according to Reuters. Bachvarova said Sofia had been assured that it will receive the main part of the support package very soon. Bulgaria has detained 12,500 migrants, mainly from Afghanistan, in the first eight months of the year, some 30 percent less than a year ago, but says the inflows have registered a steady increase since June.  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement  Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement.Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday.Up to 10% cashback from GetTransfer with IDBank cards IDBank clients who make their booking on GetTransfer will receive an exclusive cashback.Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. |
