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Visit of the Deputy Head of Mission Francesco Calderoli at the external border of the European Union between Bulgaria and Turkey at Kapitan Andreevo

The Deputy Head of Mission Francesco Calderoli and the Security Expert of the Ministry of Interior at the Embassy of Italy in Sofia, Major Giovanni Giusto, took part today in the mission at the external border of the European Union between Bulgaria and Turkey in Kapitan Andreevo, organized by the Slovenian Embassy in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior in the framework of the Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council. Ambassadors of EU member states and representatives of the International Center for Migration Policy Development took part in the visit.

In addition to visiting the border in person, the mission met with Deputy Interior Minister Ventsislav Katinov responsible for migration policies in Bulgaria and Chief Commissioner Deyan Mollov, National Director of the Bulgarian Border Police, who provided an update on the migration situation and the cooperation activities implemented by Bulgaria with Greece and Turkey to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the format provided them with an opportunity to present the activities that Bulgaria is carrying out as a responsible for the security of the EU’s external borders, as well as the efforts that Bulgaria is making to combat illegal migration.

We are here to show solidarity and support for what Bulgaria is doing for our common security, said Ambassador of Slovenia to Bulgaria Andrzej Franges. Border security and the fight against illegal immigration are directly related to European security, said Deputy Minister Ventsislav Katinov. He pointed out that the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint is the busiest in Europe and the second busiest border checkpoint in the world. We are open to present the organization we have created and the efforts we are making as a frontline country. According to him, the situation at the border is dynamic, but remains under control. He also mentioned the high assessment of the work of the Border Police DG, expressed during his visit to Bulgaria by the Executive Director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Fabrice Leggeri.

During the organized debate, the Director of the Directorate General for the fight against organized crime, Chief Commissioner Deyan Mollov, provided updated information on the migration situation and the challenges Bulgaria is facing in the context of the increased migratory pressure observed in recent months. An analysis on the topic was also presented by the Head of the Border Management and Security Program at the International Center for Migration Policy Development Borut Erzhan.

The guests also visited the Tripartite Center for Customs and Police Cooperation and became familiar with the daily interaction on the spot. They visited the section of the “green border” with the adjacent technical and engineering barrier facility.