EC signs cooperation frameworks with Romania and Bulgaria on border and migration management

The European Commission and Romania on Monday launched the Cooperation Framework on border and migration management.The document was signed by European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and Romanian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu, who is attending the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) meeting.A similar document was signed by the EU executive and Bulgaria."An important step with Minister @CatalinPredoiu @MAIRomania as we mark the strengthening of EU-Romania cooperation on border + migration management. After successful pilot we move to Cooperation Framework. This will help on Migration, Police co-op & Returns," Ylva Johansson wrote on her X (former Twitter) account, under the photo showing her and the Romanian interior minister signing the document.The Cooperation Frameworks build on the successful implementation by the two countries of the pilot projects for fast asylum and returns procedures initiated in March 2023 and allows for moving from ad hoc to sustainable solutions."Bulgaria and Romania have given a new impetus to the joint efforts in managing the external borders and migration. Through the Cooperation Frameworks agreed today, the two countries will further contribute to the joint European efforts to address EU security at external borders," reads a press release of the EU executive.The focus will be on support for reinforced measures in the area of border management, asylum and reception, return system and enhanced police cooperation in the Schengen area and on starting preparations to implement the New Pact on Migration and Asylum in Bulgaria and Romania, in particular regarding the national implementation plans.The Cooperation Frameworks take into account that the Schengen acquis will be fully applicable in Bulgaria and Romania and that, as from 31 March 2024, controls at the internal air and sea borders shall be lifted.The Cooperation Frameworks will be implemented with the necessary support by the Commission and the relevant EU Agencies.In particular, today the Commission is launching a new funding specific action of 85 million EUR under the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) 2021 - 2027 to enhance national capabilities at the EU external borders.Bulgaria and Romania can now apply for additional funding to extend or upgrade the existing border surveillance systems; purchase of means of transport including with thermo-vision capabilities; purchase of operating equipment such as movement detection cameras and thermo-vision cameras and the development or upgrades of systems.In March 2023, the Commission launched two pilot projects with Bulgaria and Romania. In October 2023, six months after the implementation of the pilot projects, the Commission took stock of the progress. Tangible results were achieved with best practices in the area of accelerated asylum procedures, effective returns, border management and reinforced cooperation with neighbouring countries.