site.btaPM Borissov, Europol's Wainwright Involved in Discussion on Security after Brexit

Sofia, December 20 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said there was a great confidence between Europol, Britain's and Bulgaria's law enforcers. He participated in a public discussion entitled "Beyond Brexit - The Future UK-EU Security Cooperation" organized here on Wednesday by the British Embassy and PanEuropa Bulgaria.

Borissov said strong contacts had been built with Britain. "Regardless of the details of Britain's withdrawal [from the EU], the confidence should be preserved," he said.

Talking about the Western Balkans, he noted that the EU and Britain should very actively help those countries. "I am optimistic because our arguments are right - that building infrastructure and a digital market is risk-free and should start straight away," he said.

Europol Executive Director Robert Wainwright stressed it was important to agree Brexit terms which would meet the security challenges adequately. Migrant smuggling is becoming a serious threat. There are also all other kinds of organized crime - including trafficking in drugs and tobacco products - which are a complex widespread security problem in Europe. He added that cooperation among the law-enforcement authorities should be closer than ever before in dealing with that transnational problem, and that transnational cooperation should strengthen.

Wainwright said that more data and intelligence information are being gathered and exchanged than ever, stressing the importance of the active support of the member states. He noted that the UK is the number one provider of intelligence information in many areas of organized crime and cyber security, and the fourth largest provider of intelligence information. It is a major partner in Europe's security sector, and an agreement should be reached allowing the UK to continue providing its help and services because Europe will benefit from standing together in the fight against aggressive threats such as terrorism and crime.

Interior Minister Valentin Radev and GERB floor leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov also participated in the discussion.

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Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Europol Executive Director Rob Wainwright have discussed here the risks and threats to European security, as well as the role of Europol and the national governments in addressing them, Cabinet's press service said Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Prosecutor General Sotir Tsatsarov and British Ambassador Emma Hopkins.