As a strategic partner in border security and countering organized crime, the Republic of Greece plays a key role in cooperation with Bulgaria. This was emphasized by Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev during his meeting in July with the Greek Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrisochoidis. Demerdzhiev highlighted the fight against drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling, adding: "I note that we have reached an agreement on the good cooperation between the two countries at both political and professional levels." He added that specific steps have been outlined to deepen relations, which both sides are committed to implementing in the short term.
In the context of this cooperation, the government press office announced that the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria has approved a new Agreement with the government of the Republic of Greece. The document governs the establishment and operation of a joint contact center for police and customs cooperation. The implementation of the agreement aims to:
- expand the scope and digitize the exchange of information;
- update the list of competent authorities;
- introduce joint training for personnel.
With the official entry into force of the new document, the previous Agreement, signed in Sofia on April 29, 2008, which covered cooperation between border guard authorities, police, customs, and administrative control services for foreigners, will automatically be terminated. On the Bulgarian side, responsibility for the implementation of this agreement lies with the Customs Agency under the Minister of Finance and the Ministry of Interior.