шенген

Breaking Boundaries: Bulgaria’s ‘Virtual Traffic’ at the Romania Border and the Firms behind it

Since Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Area on January 1, the promise of open borders has yet to trickle down to truck drivers. Instead of seamless travel, they’re being funneled into a paid ‘viritual queue’ at border crossings, a practice that’s been ongoing for years and involves the same network of companies.

The Insidious ‘Virtual Queue’

Nova TV‘s recent investigation exposed how truckers at the Ruse border with Romania are being directed to a private parking lot to receive a ‘virtual queue’ number, a system meant to manage border traffic and minimize bottlenecks. This parking lot, run by a private firm, handles the queue, with its employees flagging down trucks and distributing numbers.

The revelations come as no surprise to long-time observers. Similar practices have been reported at other Bulgarian borders, with truckers being directed to paid parking lots, often under duress. While these parking lots may seem innocuous, they’re part of a larger ecosystem of companies profiting from Bulgaria’s borders—one that has only seemed to grow with the country’s entry into Schengen.

"Virtually" Speaking: Bulgaria’s New Frontier

Bulgaria’s entry into Schengen has indeed reduced border checks, but the practice of herding truckers into paid parking lots persists. At the ‘Dunav Most’ border checkpoint in Ruse, two out of four lanes are now open for free traffic, with others reserved for random checks. However, these checks are infrequent, affecting only 5-10% of traffic.

After Nova TV‘s exposé, the car stopping truckers was removed from the scene, but the virtual queue remains. Ruse’s mayor and regional governor announced that the queue will be reactivated when truck traffic increases, which is expected during the upcoming моst repairs.

Following the Money Trail

The parking lot at Ruse is owned by ‘Тир Паркинг Русе,’ a company 40% owned by Anevra Lazarova, who also serves as its director. The remaining 60% is owned by two companies represented by Emil Hrusev, a former deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank. Despite requests, ‘Тир Паркинг Русе’ did not provide comment.

Hrusev’s involvement doesn’t stop at Ruse. Through another firm, he holds a stake in ‘Ай Би Ти Ти,’ which owns parking lots at the Kapitan Andreevo and Lesovo border checkpoints.

Another significant player is Razmig Chakarayan, or ‘Ami,’ who co-owns ‘Ай Би Ти Ти’ with Hrusev. Chakarayan was linked to a scandal involving the state-appointed lab ‘Evrolab 2011,’ which handled EU-bound food product inspections without a tender. The lab was later connected to a Greek national wanted for organized crime.

The Ruse parking lot’s operator, ‘Тир Паркинг Русе,’ paid a symbolic amount for the land it uses, which belongs to Ruse Municipality. Meanwhile, truckers pay 15 BGN for a Bulgarian license plate or 25 EUR for a foreign one. Despite being voluntary, some truckers have reported feeling pressured to pay.

Similar parking lots operate at Bulgaria’s borders with Turkey, with all pointing back to the same network of companies. A 2023 investigation by the Anti-Corruption Fund (ACF) uncovered this web of companies illegally profiting from Bulgaria’s borders.

A Hidden Network

This network of companies, profiting from Bulgaria’s borders, has been operating for years. From theRsue parking lot to ‘Evrolab 2011’ and the Kapitan Andreevo and Lesovo border checkpoints, a handful of companies and individuals have been quietly raking in profits.

The government has admitted to the problem, with the Minister of Interior acknowledging the ‘virtual queue’ issue. Yet, no concrete actions have been taken to dismantle the network. Instead, they’ve merely promised to devise a comprehensive border management strategy.

As Bulgaria’s borders become more open, it’s crucial to ensure they’re not merely becoming more profitable for a select few. The country’s entry into the Schengen Area should be transforming borders into gateways, not cash cows.

Headline: Romanian Tourists Flood Bulgarian Stores and Restaurants After Schengen Zone Entry

Subhead: Bulgaria and Romania celebrate newfound freedom as border controls disappear, signaling a boost in tourism.

Five days since Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen zone as full members, the impact is already visible in the northern Bulgarian city of Ruse. Local shops and eateries are filled with Romanian citizens making the most of the abolished border controls.

At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2025, Bulgarian Minister of Interior Atanas Ilkov and his Romanian counterpart Catalin Prădoiu officially lifted the barrier at the Danube Bridge, accompanied by the European Union anthem played by a Romanian military orchestra.

The historic moment was also captured by Bulgarian border police officers. Officer Georgi Ivanov immortalized the occasion with a snapshot in front of his workplace, where he had long collaborated with his Romanian colleagues.

While the atmosphere was festive, border officials from both countries brace for more complex challenges ahead. "We’re facing increasingly complicated tasks," they told BNR.

The surge in Romanian tourists is expected to continue until January 8, when Romania returns to work after the holiday season. Traffic on the Danube Bridge may be disrupted due to ongoing repairs, but border checks are now a thing of the past.

Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union in 2007 but had to wait 16 years to gain full access to the Schengen area. The elimination of border controls is set to foster closer ties and stimulate tourism between the two countries.

Breaking: Bulgaria‘s Chief Secretary Orders Urgent Measures for Danube Bridge Traffic Management

In a move to address escalating concerns around traffic management at the Danube Bridge in Ruse, Bulgaria’s Chief Secretary Dimităr Glavchev has ordered immediate actions. Reports indicate that transport operators have been asked to pay a toll to pass through a private car park on the bridge.

Glavchev initiated a discussion with Minister of Interior Aтанас Илков, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Виолета Коритарова, Minister of Transport and Communications Красимира Стоянова, Director of MITIC (Customs Agency) Георги Димов, and Ruse Regional Governor Драгомир драганов. The meeting aimed to streamline traffic flow and address the buildup of queueing systems on the bridge, which has reportedly led to extraordinary waiting times.

In a recent broadcast by Nova Television, it was highlighted that unknown firm employees are utilizing so-called "buffer parking" areas that were established prior to Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area. These areas have been criticized for causing long delays, with drivers forced to pay private firms for parking services.

As the new year began, drivers heading towards Romania encountered fresh challenges. To cross the border, they were mandated to procure a number from a private car park, even when there was no visible queue at the "Dunav Most" checkpoint. Shockingly, a recorded conversation between a driver and an employee surfaces, with the latter threatening police intervention if the driver refuses to comply. Reports suggest that a municipal decree has been issued, compelling all vehicles to register in the virtual queue.

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport responded, asserting that they lack jurisdiction over the organization of these processes. Their stated objective is to facilitate, not impede, the movement of drivers. The issue has since been forwarded to Ruse Municipality, which oversees urban territories and manages traffic flow.

When approached for comment, Ruse Mayor’s office indicated that a statement would be released on Monday.

It is worth noting that the contentious car park was constructed on municipal land by a private enterprise in 2023. An Anti-Corruption Fund investigation uncovered potential irregularities in the tender procedure, hinting at close ties between the operators and controversial figures such as Razmiq Keropе Chakryan.

Furthermore, the municipality appears to have selected the most financially disadvantageous of several options for the car park’s development and management, opting for a scheme that generates a mere fraction of potential annual revenue of tens of millions. In fact, the municipality could have undertaken and managed the project independently, securing substantial annual profits.

Title: Chaos at the Danube Bridge: Truckers Face Unexpected Hurdles After Bulgaria Joins Schengen

As Bulgaria officially entered the Schengen Zone this year, drivers from the transportation sector faced unexpected challenges just days later at the Danube Bridge in Ruse. Despite the promise of free movement, truckers found themselves in a confusing situation regarding border crossings into Romania.

On New Year’s Day, truck drivers from Bulgaria bound for Romania discovered they had to first obtain a number from a private parking lot, even when there was no queue on the "Danube Bridge." The numbers were not issued by the state, but rather by privately-owned parking lots, and the process was not free. The cost varied depending on whether the driver was Bulgarian or foreign.

In an audio recording obtained by Nova TV, a truck driver is heard being threatened with police involvement if he refused to obtain a number. This was not an isolated incident; other transportees found themselves in the same predicament during the first three days of the new year.

Representatives of transportation firms have expressed their confusion and frustration. "Why is this necessary? Didn’t Bulgaria join the Schengen area on January 1st, allowing vehicles to pass freely?" questioned Ivo Yordanov, a representative of a transportation firm. "There was an order from the mayor that all vehicles must register in the virtual queue. But there’s no traffic at the moment; what’s the point?" Yordanov said.

Before Bulgaria’s entry into Schengen, similar issues plagued truck drivers, who had to wait in kilometer-long queues, paying high fees for the privilege. These "golden parking lots," as they became known, were largely responsible for the backlog of traffic and high fees.

The sudden absence of queues at the start of the year was thus perplexing to truck drivers, who wondered why they were being directed to private parking lots to obtain numbers before continuing to the border.

When asked about the issue, the Ministry of Transport distancing themselves from the organization, claiming that the virtual queue is meant to assist drivers, not hinder them. They referred the matter to the municipality of Ruse.

The regional ministry explained that "Tir Parking Ruse" lies within the urban territory of the city, and its management falls under the responsibility of the Ruse municipality. The Law on Roads stipulates that the organization of traffic within settlement areas falls under the jurisdiction of the respective municipality.

The mayor’s office has promised a statement on the matter likely to be released on Monday.

Border Woes in Bulgaria: Schengen Zone Chaos at Danube Bridge

The ink has barely dried on Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Zone, yet the grand promise of unrestricted travel has hit a snag, with long lines of trucks and cars snaking back from the Danube Bridge in Ruse. Despite the official declaration of border-free travel, the scene on the ground remains one of chaos and confusion.

Cue the Cameras

On the first day of Bulgaria’s Schengen membership, an eyewitness at the border painted a dismal picture. "It was total gridlock," they reported, with the traffic jam tailing back for kilometers. The cause? Apparently, Bulgarian customs officers are still attempting to square the new rules with their old habits.

The Mastermind Behind the Mess

Rumors are flying around like autumn leaves as to who’s pulling the strings here. Some point the finger at the Bulgarian government, lamenting their lack of preparation and communication with border officials. Others blame the EU, faulting their bureaucracy for the botched rollout.

A Private Parking Conundrum

Adding insult to injury, lorry drivers are now forced to purchase a ticket from a private parking lot to cross the Danube Bridge. This, despite Bulgaria’s officially joining the Schengen Area, which is supposed to streamline, not complicate, border crossings.

Schengen: Not So Free After All

Even as Bulgarians celebrated their entry into the Schengen Zone, the harsh reality of border controls and long delays offered a sobering counterpoint to the euphoria. With Bulgarian officials still playing catch-up, it’s unclear when the promised free movement will truly become a reality.

Looking Ahead

As Bulgaria navigates its first days in Schengen, all eyes are on the government to effectively communicate the changes, bring border officials up to speed, and ensure that the road to seamless travel remains open and clear. Until then, the once-promised borderless utopia seems to be more of a distant dream than a tangible reality.

Headline: Bulgaria‘s Schengen Entry Raises Concerns Over Child Abductions

The Bulgarian government’s full accession into the Schengen Area has sparked concerns among legal experts about a potential increase in cases of parental child abduction. While the Schengen agreement aims to ease travel between member states, it has implications for child custody arrangements.

Before Bulgaria’s Schengen integration, children could only leave the country with one parent if they had a consent declaration from the other. Now, while these declarations are still recommended, they are not mandatory for travel to countries like Greece and Romania, according to Bulgarian Border Police.

With the risk of children being unlawfully taken out of the country and potentially spirited away to unknown destinations in other Schengen countries, increased checks are expected. The Schengen Borders Code emphasizes the need to verify both the child’s documents and their accompanying adults, acknowledging children as a vulnerable group.

However, even with the Schengen agreement, parents traveling with children without the other parent should still carry a notarized power of attorney, stipulating that they have permission to take the children across borders.

While border controls towards other Schengen countries have ceased entirely, there’s now a risk that minors could leave the country without the knowledge of one of their parents. As Yordanka Bekirska, an international family law attorney, puts it, "There is one legal measure to prevent this, but it won’t function effectively."

Yet, the Bulgarian Border Police assures that controls will persist. In a 30km border zone, police checks will be strengthened, especially when children are involved. During vehicle stops, officers will inspect the passengers’ documents and verify the relationship between the children and their accompanying adults.

While consent declarations from the other parent are no longer compulsory, it’s still advisable for parents to carry them. In cases of suspected parental abduction or deteriorating relations between parents, authorities advise seeking a court order banning travel in the Schengen zone.

However, lawyers warn that court procedures can take too long. According to Bekirska, "Since the air Schengen began, I’ve had clients whose children were taken away. You need to know where the child’s passport is because whoever has it holds all the power over the child’s travel."

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Title: Bulgaria Joins Schengen: A New Era of Freedom and Opportunity

Bulgaria rings in 2025 as a full-fledged member of the Schengen Area, marking the culmination of years of effort and a historic moment for the country. As the clock struck midnight, Bulgarians and their neighbors celebrated together, without borders or barriers—a vision realized after four decades since the creation of the Schengen space.

What Changes?

• Borderless Travel:Say goodbye to border checks and customs declarations. Bulgarians can now travel freely within Schengen countries without any delays or formalities.
• Work and Study Freedom: Bulgarians can work, study, and pursue vacation opportunities across Schengen countries with ease.
• Streamlined Trade: Trade and goods will travel more efficiently, reducing wait times and ensuring faster deliveries.
• Strengthened Border Control: While internal borders vanish, controls at external borders will intensify to maintain security.

The Schengen Area’s aim has always been to facilitate free movement and unity within Europe. By joining, Bulgaria stands to reap significant economic benefits, with estimates suggesting around half a billion euros in additional annual investment and revenue.

New Year’s Dawn at the Border

New Year’s Eve was celebrated amidst symbolism and joy at border crossings nationwide. At the Kulata border point, Bulgarian Premier Dimităr Glavchev marked the occasion, expressing his pride in Bulgaria’s accession. Meanwhile, the first vehicle to cross the open border was driven by Mochil Angelov from Blagoevgrad, who described the moment as "historical" and a unique way to start the New Year.

However, not all areas were ready. In Rudozem, metal barriers and security personnel still greeted those attempting to enter Greece, highlighting the disparities in preparedness across the country.

Bulgaria and Romania: A Symbolic Crossing

Across the Danube, a symbolic event took place on the Danube Bridge, connecting Bulgaria and Romania.Ministers from both countries raised their hands to symbolically lift the border. The first Bulgarian to cross into Romania as a Schengen citizen was Svetoslav Saves, who expressed his joy and the newfound freedom he felt.

While regular border checks have ceased, temporary controls may still occur within a 30-kilometer zone during the initial six months. The Danube Bridge, however, will close for renovation from January 8, displaying a red ‘Stop’ sign once more.

A New Era

The dawn of 2025 brings a new era for Bulgaria, one marked by greater freedom, opportunity, and unity with its European neighbors. As the country welcomes this historic change, it looks ahead to the prosperity and growth that full Schengen membership promises.

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The culmination of years of effort, Bulgaria finally joins the Schengen Area in 2025.

Title: Bulgaria Finally Joins Schengen Zone: Premier Dimitrov Gilev Celebrates at Kulata Border Crossing

Meta Description: Bulgaria officially joins the Schengen Area, ending years of wait. Prime Minister Dimitrov Gilev marks the occasion at the Kulata border crossing.

SEO Keywords: Bulgaria, Schengen, Dimitrov Gilev, Kulata, border crossing, Schengen Area, European Union, free movement

• Bulgaian Prime Minister Dimitrov Gilev celebrated the historical occasion as Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area today, January 1, 2025. The event marked the culmination of years of effort by many individuals, as Bulgaria became a fully-fledged member of the border-free Schengen zone.

Gilev expressed his gratitude to the border police, military personnel, and "Frontex" staff, as well as European Union allies, stating, "Together, we will protect the external borders of the EU much better."

From Greece to Finland, and Portugal, Bulgarians can now travel freely without border checks. Premier Gilev expects his fellow countrymen to notice the differences and enjoy the comforts of full Schengen membership within days.

The Entscheidung (decision) to lift border controls on Bulgaria and Romania came on December 12, 2024, when the European Council agreed that both countries had met the legal requirements. The long-standing issue was finally resolved, ending years of waiting since the European Commission’s 2010 assessment.

In a symbolic gesture, Bulgaria’s Minister of Interior, Atanas Ilkov, and his Romanian counterpart, Catalin Predoi, jointly removed the barrier at the Dunav Most border crossing near Ruse-Gurgiv at midnight.

This development is set to enhance Europe’s internal security, simplify travel, and boost economic ties within the European Union.

Title: Bulgaria Joins Schengen: A New Era of Borderless Travel

As of today, Bulgaria is a full-fledged member of the Schengen Area. In a symbolic act, the border guards at the ‘Kula’ checkpoint jointly raised the barrier, marking the beginning of a new era of borderless travel within Europe. The first to cross the border was Georgi Manov from Petrich, who commutes daily from Bulgaria to Greece. He expressed his happiness at the new ease of travel, predicting the end of long queues that were previously a common sight.

The Bulgarian police at the border marked the occasion by gifting the first travelers – two light vehicles and one truck – toy muskets filled with rose oil. Meanwhile, a truck drove through without stopping, its driver honking in celebration.

What Does Schengen Membership Mean for Bulgaria?

Schengen membership brings significant changes to Bulgaria’s border controls. Border inspections will now be carried out internally, with no physical checks at the external borders. Instead, checks will be conducted randomly and based on risk assessment. This means that Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, along with their businesses, can now freely traverse 26 European countries without passport checks.

A Long Journey to Integration

Bulgaria’s journey to Schengen has been a long and complex one. After 13 years of negotiations and meeting all technical criteria, Bulgaria and Romania finally received the green light in December 2024. The decision, taken by the European Council, marks the end of Dutch and Austrian resistance that had previously blocked their progress.

Economic and Psychological Impact

The economic and psychological effects of Schengen membership are expected to be felt immediately. Bulgaria’s integration into the Schengen Area is seen as a crowning achievement, making it easier for Bulgarians to travel, work, and study in other European countries. It also opens up new opportunities for businesses, fostering cross-border Trade and commerce.

However, along with these benefits comes added responsibility from Bulgaria to ensure the security of the entire Schengen Area, as it becomes the southern gateway to the European Union.

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Bulgaria Fully Joins Schengen Area: What to Expect

Bulgaria has officially become a full member of the Schengen Area, the EU’s border-free zone. On December 12, 2023, the European Council decided to abolish land border controls for Bulgaria and Romania. This move has been eagerly awaited since 2010 when the council first confirmed these countries met the legal requirements.

New Rules in Action

From March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have begun implementing all Schengen acquis, leading to the removal of internal air and sea border controls. This decision was made during the Spanish presidency of the European Council in late December 2023.

Border Controls: What Changes and What Stays

With the abolition of border controls, Bulgarians and Europeans can now move freely across EU borders. However, certain provisions are in place to address security concerns:

• Bulgarian-Rumanian Border: A temporary, partial control will be implemented for the next six months, focusing on high-risk areas and vehicles. Only 5-10% of vehicles, predominantly exiting Bulgaria, will be subject to checks.
• Bulgarian-Greek Border: Enhanced surveillance measures will be applied to prevent illegal migration, drug trafficking, and smuggling. A joint international police task force will be deployed, with support from Greece.

Local Authorities and Infrastructure Adaptations

Border regions are adjusting to these changes:

• Bulgarian-Greek Border:
  • In Blagoevgrad, signs and infrastructure are being updated to reflect the end of border controls.
  • In Kardzhali and Haskovo, barrier systems and road signs will be removed.
  • In Smolyan, travelers are advised to use established routes instead of the closed Rrudzoom-Khanti crossing until further notice.
• Bulgarian-Rumanian Border:
  • In Svishtov, Svistov, and Vidin, border police will implement random checks for the next six months.
  • In Dobrich, the agro-food safety agency will continue checks to prevent animal diseases.
  • In Lom (Montana) and the Danube Bridge (Ruse), controls will focus on vessel crew checks and safety.

Schengen Information System

Bulgaria is a member of the Schengen Information System (SIS), the EU’s largest information exchange platform for security and border management. It enables national authorities to enter and check alerts for persons and goods in a common database.

Embrace the new era of freedom and convenience as Bulgaria fully joins the Schengen Area. Stay informed and updated with Google News Showcase for more news and updates.