On 17 June, at Sofia's Pi-Point venue, IOM Bulgaria officially launched its newest initiative, Support for Unaccompanied Minors Accommodated in Safe Zones, funded by Bulgaria's National Program under the Amif Fund (2021/2027). The event brought together representatives from government institutions, international organizations, NGOs, and academia, fostering dialogue on improving care and protection for unaccompanied minors in Bulgaria. During the event, IOM presented the core services offered through the project, including round-the-clock care, psychological and legal support, access to education, and cultural integration.
Experts from the EUAA provided a detailed overview of the agency's evolving role in Bulgaria. They highlighted EUAA's support for national authorities in strengthening asylum systems, with particular focus on child-sensitive procedures and capacity-building in cases involving unaccompanied children.