Bulgarian EU visas lifted

The Bulgarian Foreign Minister, Nadezhda Mihailova today made a symbolic walk across the border into Greece to mark the lifting of EU travel rstrictions for Bulgarians.

Accompanied by reporters and dozens of Bulgarian citizens waving their passports, the Minister crossed over at the Kulata-Promahonas checkpoint between the two countries.

As of today, Bulgarians no longer need entry visas to EU member countries for visits of up of three months.

The Bulgarian minister said that the decision was a manifestation of confidence in the political reforms which Bulgaria had carried out.

Bulgaria is among several former Communist countries in Europe which wants to join the EU.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service