Remarks by President Donald Tusk after his meeting in Varna with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov

Good morning. Let me first of all thank Prime Minister Borissov for his hospitality. It is my second time in Euxinograd - I have been here previously as Polish Prime Minister - and now once again I am impressed by this gem of Bulgarian architecture. Now a part of Varna's heritage visits Brussels. I already look forward to seeing the exhibition in Brussels on Bulgaria's golden treasures, the oldest in the world and well known all over Europe.

Unfortunately, the European agenda does not allow for much discussion of beautiful architecture and gold. Today, our discussion focused on the issue at the top of the European agenda: refugees and migration.

Bulgaria borders Turkey, Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - all countries under great migratory pressure. Bulgaria has so far managed the situation at your borders well. These are also EU borders and I really respect your efforts. We are fully aware of how many resources you spend to protect Turkish and Greek borders. For me this is clear evidence that you are ready to be part of the Schengen area. And you deserve praise for actively participating in Frontex operations in other Member States. This is another proof of your commitment to European solidarity. Solidarity goes both ways. Should further difficulties arise on Bulgaria's borders, EU support in terms of financial assistance or otherwise, can be explored. Simply speaking, today Bulgaria is perhaps the best example, also for other Member States, of how to protect its borders.

We need to be realistic and refocus the debate away from how to address the symptoms to how to address the root causes. As a result of our special European Council on September 23rd, there is now a shared understanding between all EU heads of state or government that restoring the control of the EU´s external borders is a primary task. Regaining control of our external borders is a sine qua non condition for an effective, humanitarian and safe migratory policy.

At the informal meeting of the Heads of States and Governments last month, we also made progress towards finding solutions to the chaos that we see at our external borders. We will meet again next week to review what has been done and agree on further orientations. This will include increased cooperation with Turkey.

In this context, it is a positive step that Bernardino Leon has proposed a national government of unity in Libya. I strongly encourage all parties not to waste this opportunity. Libya has too few opportunities for lasting peace.

Today, we also discussed energy issues. Energy security remains a priority for the EU. The key infrastructure projects, which the EU agreed with Bulgaria and other countries of the region should be swiftly implemented to create a resilient network, which will shield us from external risks. We should continue our efforts to diversify energy supplies and decrease our dependence on a single supplier. To this end we should robustly enforce energy legislation and make sure that all agreements are compliant with the EU energy security provisions. This is a priority of the European Council and the Commission, whether in the south or in the north.

Finally, another word on the Schengen enlargement. I know that many in Bulgaria consider this should have happened by now. I can assure you of my support for your accession, but we need all Member States' agreement. We work hard to make it happen. In the meantime, Bulgaria needs to ensure that judicial reforms, fight against corruption and organised crime continue at a robust pace. Not just because the EU requests it but first and foremost because it will make Bulgaria stronger. Thank you.