Interpol deals blow to trafficking and smuggling rings in Balkans
Over 200 suspected traffickers and migrant smugglers have been arrested in an Interpol-led operation. Victims of the rings came from 14 different countries.
Bulgaria
Frontex: A harder border, sooner
European leaders have already agreed to a massive boost for the border protection agency, Frontex. The incoming head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wants to bring forward the expansion.
EU border force implicated in migrant abuse
New reports place the EU border agency Frontex at scenes of brutality against migrants. The border guards of Greece, Bulgaria and Hungary have been found to be especially brutal.
Migrants 'need better healthcare assistance in Bulgaria'
The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has said that it is necessary to improve the situation of healthcare assistance for foreigners in detainment.
Arrested: Members of smuggling ring in Bulgaria
After police raids in the Bulgarian capital Sofia and in the eastern region of the country, 17 suspected people smugglers were arrested and taken into custody by the authorities. The Deputy Prosecutor General, who has already broken up other similar rings, is investigating the group and their reach further.
European Commission president candidate vows for tough migration laws
In the lead up to the European Parliament Elections, the German politician Manfred Weber has promised Bulgarians tight measures against illegal migration. Bulgaria was a critical part of the Balkan route at the height of the migrant crisis.
UNICEF says one in four migrant arrivals in 2019 is a minor
UNICEF said that in the first three months of 2019, 3,800 children arrived in Europe by sea and that one in every four migrant arrivals was a minor. In 2018, the figure was one in every five arrivals.
Pope Francis urges migrant-skeptic Bulgaria to welcome refugees
Although Pope Francis wants the Balkan nation to open its hearts and homes to migrants, there is considerable opposition to refugees in Bulgaria. Ties with the Catholic Church are also not warm.
Refugees face violence, abuse on Europe's new Balkan route
It has become increasingly difficult for refugees to make their way from Greece to Central Europe. Even in the face of police violence and the risk of arrest, thousands still embark on the dangerous journey.
Bulgaria tightens security at southern border
Bulgaria's interior minister has announced that security has been tightened along the southern border of the country. Meanwhile, the Bosnian government says that if European borders remain 'hermetically closed' to migrants, Bosnia will also close its eastern and southern borders.
Germany: Nigerian women at growing risk from traffickers
The new prostitute protection law in Germany was meant to identify victims of human trafficking – most of them migrant women. More than 18 months after the law came into effect, thousands continue to be targeted for exploitation, and the risk for Nigerian women seems to be increasing.
EU to deport more migrants and build more detention centers
EU member states are expected to increase detention center capacity and step up migrant deportations, in line with a request from the European Commission.