Brussels, 31/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is giving Bulgaria and Romania a total of nearly €800 million for 2007-2009 to run projects to boost non-EU border controls. From the date of accession to the end of 2009, this temporary funding is mainly planned to cover special action at the EU's new borders in order to apply the Schengen rules, EU external border controls and improving national cashflow. At least 50% of the funding allocated to each country under the 'temporary treasury facility' and the 'Schengen facility' will help Bulgaria and Romania fund action at the EU's new external borders in order to apply the Schengen rules and EU external border controls. Romania has external EU borders with Serbia (476 km long), Moldova (450 km) and Ukraine (531 km), and also has a 225 km maritime border in the Black Sea. As foreseen under Bulgaria and Romania's agreements on joining the EU, Romania will receive a total of nearly €560m in 2007-2009 (€297.2m in 2007, €131.8m in 2008 and €130.8m in 2008). Bulgaria will receive €240m for 2007-2009 (€121.8m in 2007, €59.1m in 2008 and €58.6m in 2009). Bulgaria has external EU borders with Serbia (318 km), the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (148 km) in the west, Turkey (240 km) in the south and the Black Sea to the east. The European Commission and the Bulgarian authorities are looking into including the supply of equipment in the programme (like patrol boats, helicopters and surveillance drones). Bulgaria's external EU border on the Black Sea is a priority under the 'Schengen Facility' programme. The planned projects also cover the development of an IT subsystem for connecting up with the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS), along with other measures for the police force and foreign ministry. (B.C.)