As Turks try to flee to Europe, EU deploys additional personnel to the Turkish border

As the number of Turks seeking asylum in Europe rapidly increases, the EU border security agency Frontex has decided to triple its personnel at the Turkish border to prevent illegal migration from Turkey.

The European Union’s border security agency Frontex announced that it will increase personnel at the Bulgaria border to prevent illegal migration from Turkey.

In a statement from Frontex, it was reported that the number of personnel stationed at the Turkey-Bulgaria border would be tripled.

The decision came just before Bulgaria’s partial accession to the EU’s Schengen area. Starting from March 31, passport controls will be lifted for air and sea traffic between Bulgaria and Schengen countries. However, controls will continue for land crossings.

FRONTEX PRESIDENT VISITS TURKEY BORDER

Frontex President Hans Leijtens, speaking at the barbed wire fence at the Turkey-Bulgaria border, announced that the number of personnel stationed at the border will be increased to 600, stating, “Bulgaria is a very important partner for us, and without them, we cannot protect our external borders.”

According to Frontex data, illegal crossings to EU countries reached 380,000 last year, marking the highest number since the migration crisis in 2016.

The significant increase in the number of Turks applying for asylum in Europe in recent times is also noteworthy.