In anticipation of Bulgaria’s imminent inclusion in the Schengen area, reports indicate a rise in hostility towards migrants driven by political rhetoric amidst apprehensions regarding human rights abuses and the spread of misinformation.
Bulgaria and Romania are set to join the Schengen zone for air and sea travel by the end of this month, following years of negotiations and Austria lifting its veto. However, this accession comes with conditions, including providing asylum seekers entering Europe through these countries to be sent back under the EU’s Dublin Regulation.
With Bulgaria sharing a border with Turkey, which hosts millions of refugees, tensions have escalated. Frontex, the EU’s border agency, has deployed reinforcements to the border in collaboration with Bulgarian authorities, raising concerns about human rights abuses.
Politicians, including those from far-right parties, have reportedly contributed to an anti-migrant narrative, with claims of Bulgaria becoming a “refugee camp” and the dissemination of misleading videos depicting migrant-related violence. Migration experts warn against the propagation of a crisis narrative, attributing it to political agendas and external influences, particularly from Russia.
Allegations of systemic brutality by Bulgarian officials at the Turkey-Bulgaria border have emerged, with reports of illegal pushbacks violating international law. Despite government claims of preventing migrant entries, observers question the legality of such actions, highlighting instances of mistreatment upon deportation.
Returnees from Germany have reported mistreatment upon their arrival in Bulgaria, further exacerbating tensions. The treatment of deportees has prompted condemnation from human rights organizations and political parties, underscoring the contentious nature of migration policies and their implementation in Bulgaria.