In response to the European migrant crisis, Bulgaria erected a border barrier to halt the influx of illegal crossings. As of June 2016, nearly 146 kilometres (91 mi) of the 166 kilometres (103 mi) planned barrier were constructed.[2]
In January 2014, Bulgaria started construction of a 30 km (19 mi) long security fence along its border with Turkey to contain a surge of migrants from the Middle East and North Africa.[3] Standing 10 ft (3.0 m) tall and fortified with razor wire coils, the fence covers the least visible section of the border between the Lesovo border checkpoint and the village of Golyam Dervent. The Bulgarian Army completed the protective barrier in July 2014 at a cost of around €5 million.[4] As a result of the new fence, illegal crossing attempts in the vicinity of the installation have decreased by seven times. Turkey's ambassador to Bulgaria Suleyman Gokce has expressed dissatisfaction with the border barrier adding that it creates discontent and gives reason to "reflect on the political message," that the fence is sending.[5]
At the beginning of 2015, the government announced a 130 km (81 mi) extension to the barbed wire border fence in order to completely secure the land border. Prime Minister Boyko Borisov described the extension as "absolutely necessary," in order to prevent persons from illegally entering the European Union member state.[6] The Bulgarian Parliament has decided to continue construction of the fence at the border with Turkey without launching a public procurement procedure because of the need to safeguard national security.[7] This final section of the fence completely seals off Bulgarian border with Turkey.[8] As of March 2016, nearly 100 kilometres (62 mi) of the 166 kilometres (103 mi) planned barrier were constructed.[9]
Since August 2022, one Bulgarian Border Police officer and two Bulgarian police officers have been killed by migrants, trying to illegally to cross the border.[10]
Crossings
There are three crossings along the entire border, two for vehicular traffic and one for vehicular and rail traffic. The busiest of three,Kapitan Andreevo - Kapıkule, is among the busiest border checkpoints in the world.[11]