ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger met with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and Minister of Innovation and Growth, His Excellency Tomislav Donchev on 24 June 2025.
They discussed the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and increasing risks of displacement, ICMPD’s work in Silk Routes countries; and its projects and support to Member States, including Bulgaria.
Key in their discussion was the implications of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and triggering possible new migration flows into Europe, if the conflict continues. Mr Spindelegger provided an overview of ICMPD’s EU-funded projects, such as supporting Turkish national authorities in various aspects of migration and border management. This also includes the dual-focus prioritisation within Türkiye and along the migration routes into and around it.
Recently, Türkiye has taken actions to strength surveillance and managing its border with Iran, with plans to reinforce these measures, again with possibly support from the EU and ICMPD.
Mr Donchev also showed interest in ICMPD’s Migration Partnerships Facility (MPF), particularly impressed with its successful implementation in several countries. He expressed optimism that replicating such success in Bulgaria could be potentially beneficial to his country as well.
Mr Spindelegger was visiting Bulgaria on the invitation of HE Minister of Interior, Mr Daniel Mitov. At their meeting, they discussed Bulgaria’s priorities in the wider area of migration at the background of the country’s political situation; as well as the developments in the Middle East and the possible impact of this to the region.
At a Trilateral Meeting with Greece and Türkiye, Minister Mitov also shared with Mr Spindelegger his recent discussions with Turkish Minister of Interior, Mr Ali Yerlikaya, and Greek Migration Minister, Mr Theodoros Livanios, and their common goals such as protecting the borders and addressing the issue of irregular migration. He also expressed serious concern about anti-migrant attitudes and the ongoing narrative in his country.
Mr Spindelegger responded with assurances of support to Bulgaria, which is an ICMPD member state since 2003, specifically for the Ministry to meet its needs in the wider area of migration. He outlined ICMPD’s successful information campaigns with some of its other Member States, as well as project activities within the MPF; and briefed the Minister of ongoing cooperation with Türkiye, highlighting the support provided to the country in addressing the challenges posed by large numbers of refugees from previous crises. Currently, ICMPD plays a key role in facilitating this process and ensuring the refugees’ stay in the country is properly managed.
“We thank the Director General and his team, and express the Ministry’s appreciation for ICMPD’s support and longstanding partnership. We would like to highlight the important role that ICMPD has played over the years in the implementation of Bulgaria’s migration policy, particularly its role in protecting one of the EU’s most challenging external borders and placing strong emphasis on the dialogue and practical cooperation with Türkiye; maintaining close cooperation with neighbouring countries and sustaining dialogue with countries of origin and transit; and with special recognition of Mr Spindelegger’s contributions toward Bulgaria’s Schengen accession,” Minister Mitov, as he conferred on Mr Spindelegger the Bulgaria Schengen Medal in acknowledgment of ICMPD’s support.
