„Has the new version of the New Visa Information System been implemented? How does it work? Do the previous problems with the exchange of information with the Schengen Information System still exist?
Did you manage to resolve the problems with the European Commission in connection with the malfunctions between the Bulgarian and Schengen information systems? What specific measures have been taken to prevent future incidents?
Are there any risks to our full acceptance into the Schengen area from the point of view of Bulgaria's visa policy?“.
Independent MP Kaloyan Metodiev turned to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Kondov with these questions.
The deputy alerted acting Prime Minister Glavchev about problems with the issuance of Schengen visas by the Bulgarian diplomatic missions and malfunctions of the information system.
On August 8, Kaloyan Metodiev received assurances that the new version of the National Visa Information System (NVIS) is about to be introduced and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in constant communication with the European Commission due to refusals of Schengen visas issued by Bulgaria.
„On August 19, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully launched a new version of the National Visa Information System. The consular offices at the diplomatic and consular representations of the Republic of Bulgaria accept applications for all services, including visas, Bulgarian personal documents, certifications, digitization, etc., the minister said in his reply to Kaloyan Metodiev.
According to Minister Kondov, there are currently no reported problems with the work, communication and connectivity between the national and Schengen visa information systems. “To ensure the security and operation of the National Visa Information System, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs implements all the measures laid down in the contracts for the maintenance of the system and its serving subsystems. It is also planned to increase the personnel capacity with the appointment of additional IT experts”, it is clear from the information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
„According to Decision 2024/210 of the Council of the EU of December 30, 2023, the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania are full members of the Schengen area and fully apply the provisions of the Schengen acquis. The Council is about to vote on a decision to remove control at internal land borders as well.
Historically, in the absence of a migrant crisis and pressure on the external borders of the Union, checks at the various borders have been phased out for other member states of the Schengen area.
From the point of view of the visa policy of the Republic of Bulgaria, it is not expected that the Council of the EU will vote against the abolition of internal land border checks, Minister Kondov said in his reply to Kaloyan Metodiev.
The next EU Council meets on 17 and 18 October 2024