麻豆约拍

One way to reach the European Union is via the 'Eastern Mediterranean route' from Turkey into either Bulgaria or Greece. Back in 2015 millions of people reached Europe this way to flee conflicts in the Middle East. Since then, international deals have been struck and border security toughened across Europe to stem the flow of migrants. And yet, whilst other routes to Europe have seen a fall, the numbers travelling via this 'Eastern Mediterranean route' into the European Union have been growing since 2021.

Presenter Nick Robinson hears from refugees in Turkey looking to leave and from those who have successfully made it over the fence, across the land border into Bulgaria. As Bulgaria hopes to fully join the free-movement Schengen area in 2025, Nick Robinson explores the success and limits of the Bulgarian border force鈥檚 efforts to police Europe鈥檚 border with the wider world.

Presenter: Nick Robinson
Producer: Jade Bogart-Pr锚leur

(Photo: Nick Robinson (front row centre) with Harmanli refugees. Credit: Jade Bogart-Pr锚leur)