site.btaPM Borissov: Bulgaria Is Good Example of Effective Fight against Contraband Cigarettes in EU

Sofia, February 5 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that Bulgaria can be given as an example of the fight against contraband cigarettes in the entire EU. Speaking during a meeting on ways to fight illegal trade, Borissov said that Bulgaria's performance shows the true results of fighting corruption and illegal trade. The Prime Minister said that the contraband trade in cigarettes has reached the current record-low 6 per cent, and that another even more satisfying thing is that this is a persistent trend, reported "quarter after quarter".

Borissov said that in Britain the contraband trade is reported at 35 per cent, in France, at 23.7 per cent. He said that when the EU budget is discussed, he will ask Brussels why the results in fighting illegal trade are not good in many EU member states.

Borissov asked indignantly how come, given that contraband trade in cigarette is only 6 per cent in this country, questions are asked if Bulgaria wages an effective fight against corruption. The Prime Minister said that in January alone, the budget revenue from fuels is 12 per cent more. He said that there are also measures against the illegal trade in fuels, meat, spirits, sugar. He was adamant that the entire might of the state is used in the fight against contraband trade.