site.btaOutgoing Interior Minister Mitov, UK's Ambassador Copsey Visit Kalotina Border Checkpoint

Nathaniel Copsey, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Bulgaria, has visited the Kalotina border checkpoint together with outgoing Interior Minister Daniel Mitov to observe how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is being implemented at the bloc’s external land borders, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.

Officials demonstrated how third-country nationals are registered in the system at their first point of entry into the EU. In preparation for the busy summer season, when passenger traffic increases significantly, all workstations at the checkpoint will be fully operational, the ministry added.

Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, head of the Border Police Directorate, presented data showing a 70% drop in migration pressure. He noted that compensatory measures and closer cooperation at internal borders have also strengthened efforts to combat organized criminal groups involved in human trafficking and other cross-border crimes. The Border Police is continuing to expand its capacity by recruiting new officers and exploring options to establish modern training centers, the statement said. 

Ambassador Copsey thanked his hosts for the opportunity to visit the Kalotina checkpoint and said the information he received would be shared with British citizens. He praised the bilateral cooperation and Bulgaria’s achievements in border security, the ministry noted.

Minister Mitov said that cooperation should continue to deepen and build on existing progress, regardless of potential political changes.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction with the productive discussions and reaffirming their commitment to continued joint work, the ministry said.

On February 10, GERB leader Boyko Borissov and Ambassador Copsey discussed regional security, the strategic partnership with the United Kingdom, and the importance of stable and predictable policies in times of crisis. Borissov made public details about the meeting on Facebook.