Greece and Bulgaria have signed a new agreement to deepen police cooperation against cross-border organized crime, strengthen border security, and improve the management of migration flows across the Balkans.
Greek Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis and Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhievsigned the agreement in Sofia on Tuesday, reinforcing bilateral efforts to tackle transnational criminal networks.
According to Greece’s Ministry of Citizen Protection, Chrysochoidis highlighted the “substantial and measurable results” already achieved through cooperation between the two countries and outlined priorities for expanding joint operations.
A key element of the agreement extends the operational framework of the Kulata–Promachonas Joint Police Cooperation Contact Centre, a strategic border facility used to coordinate law enforcement activities.
Greek authorities said the crossing requires enhanced policing and stricter controls because criminal networks use the route to traffic drugs, weapons, and smuggled goods.
“We are jointly strengthening the protection of the European Union’s external borders while reinforcing security along our internal borders through rapid information exchange and joint operational action,” Chrysochoidis said.
He added that both countries would accelerate implementation of the agreement by expanding cooperation between their organized crime units.
“We will intensify our efforts to deliver a decisive blow against organized criminal groups while also combating corruption, which is a disease of democracy,” he said. “Our services will work together with determination and dedication for the benefit of our societies.”
During the official visit, Hellenic Police Chief Lieutenant General Dimitrios Mallios and Bulgarian Interior Ministry Secretary General Lyubomir Nikolov also signed two additional police cooperation protocols.
The protocols establish procedures for joint cross-border patrols and police pursuits between the two neighbouring countries, further strengthening operational coordination.
The Greek delegation included senior officers from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and the Directorate of International Police Cooperation.