President Rumen Radev today held a telephone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area, as well as measures to speed up the process, were the focus of the talk. President Radev expressed his expectation that the achievements of this country will be respected by all EU partners and Bulgaria will join Schengen next year. The issue will also be discussed at the European Council meeting in Brussels later this month.