ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger met with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth, His Excellency Tomislav Donchev on 24 June 2025.
They discussed ICMPD’s work in Silk Routes countries, its projects and support to Member States, including Bulgaria; and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and increasing risks of displacement.
Mr Spindelegger was visiting Bulgaria on the invitation of HE Minister of Interior Daniel Mitov. At a meeting they discussed Bulgaria’s priorities in the wider area of migration in the context of the country’s political situation; as well the possible impact of the developments in the Middle East 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 Ali Yerlikaya, and Greek Migration Minister Theodoros Livanios. These included the common goals of addressing the issue of irregular migration, and borders safety and security. Türkiye has recently taken actions to strengthen surveillance and manage its border with Iran, with plans to reinforce these measures through support from partners.
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 includes the dual-focus prioritisation in Türkiye and along the migration routes into and around it. He also expressed assurances of support to Bulgaria, specifically the Ministry of the Interior, to meet its various needs in the wider area of migration governance.
He outlined ICMPD’s successful information campaigns with its other Member States, and projects within the Migration Partnerships Facility; and briefed the Ministers of ongoing cooperation with Türkiye, as an example, highlighting the support 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.
