EU Freezes 1.2 Billion Leva Payment to Bulgaria Due to Reform Delays
Bulgaria's request for the second tranche of funding under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) has been met with resistance from Brussels.
NATO Expands Deployment to Aegean Sea in Effort to Stem Migrant Flow
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Photo: NATO website
NATO decided to expand its deployment to the Aegean Sea in an effort to stem the migrant crisis.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed on Sunday the expansion of the Alliance's deployment to the Aegean Sea.
The ships deployed by the Alliance will provide assistance to Greece, Turkey and the EU's external borders agency Frontex in their efforts on tackling the refugee crisis.
Ships of NATO are already collecting information and conducting monitoring in the Aegean Sea, with their area of operation to be expanded in territorial waters.
NATO commanders have defined the area of activity in close consultation and coordination with both Athens and Ankara.
The purpose of the deployment is not to push back migrant boats but to help Greece, Turkey and the EU in their efforts to tackle human trafficking networks.
NATO's Maritime Command agreed with Frontex on arrangements at the operational and tactical level.
NATO and Frontex will be able to exchange liaison officers and share information in real time, enabling the EU's external borders agency, Greece and Turkey to take action in real time.
The decision of NATO to assist in the conduct of reconnaissance, monitoring and surveillance in the Aegean Sea was welcomed by the EU as an important contribution to international efforts in tackling smuggling and irregular migration.
Related Articles:
Pro-European Protests Intensify in Georgia as Government Shifts Away from EU Path
Protests have continued to rock Georgia following the government’s controversial decision to suspend its bid to join the European Union
Bulgarians’ Top Travel Choices in October: Greece and Turkey
In October, Bulgarians predominantly traveled to neighboring Turkey and Greece, while the largest groups of foreign visitors to Bulgaria came from Romania and Turkey
Bulgaria’s 17 Years in the EU: Unmet Expectations and Limited EU Fund Utilization
Bulgaria's 17-year membership in the European Union has not lived up to the expectations of many Bulgarians, according to Senior Assistant Professor Dr. Tsvetomir Tsvetkov from Sofia Universit
Zelensky: Joining NATO Is the Key to Defeating Russia Without Firing a Shot
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a ceasefire condition that involves NATO accepting all of Ukraine into the alliance
North Macedonia's President: Bulgarian Veto and EU Pressure Undermine Regional Integration
North Macedonia’s President, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, expressed her opposition to resolving issues related to what she referred to as the "Bulgarian veto," criticizing the European Union for its lack of a comprehensive enlargement strategy
Social Democrats Secure Victory in Romania's Parliamentary Elections Amid Rising Far-Right Support
With 99% of the votes counted in Romania’s parliamentary elections, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, has secured the largest share of the vote with 23%
North Macedonia's President: Bulgarian Veto and EU Pressure Undermine Regional Integration
North Macedonia’s President, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, expressed her opposition to resolving issues related to what she referred to as the "Bulgarian veto," criticizing the European Union for its lack of a comprehensive enlargement strategy
Greece Adapts Underground Bunkers for Civil Defense Against Potential Nuclear Threat
Greek authorities have recently intensified efforts to prepare for potential threats in the wake of escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine
Political Instability in Bulgaria Impacts North Macedonia’s EU Aspirations
Aleksandar Nikoloski, North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, stated that the country’s challenges in advancing EU accession talks stem not from major EU players like France
Vice President Yotova: Bulgaria Is Not Imposing New Conditions on North Macedonia
Bulgaria has made it clear that it is not setting any additional conditions for North Macedonia’s European Union membership negotiations
Romania Heads for Right-Wing Run-Off After Prime Minister’s Elimination
Romania’s incumbent Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), is set to be eliminated in the first round of the country’s presidential election
