site.btaCybersecurity, Inclusion in US Visa Waiver Program Are Priorities of GD Combating Organized Crime

Interior Minister Daniel Mitov Thursday set forth two government priorities directly related to the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDCOC): cybersecurity and Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program, the Ministry said. He attended the marking of GDCOC's professional day.

The first priority is enhancing the administrative and technical capacity of GDCOC to ensure national-level cybersecurity. This also includes developing cybersecurity systems and effective countering of foreign interference in the information domain.

The second priority important for Bulgarian citizens is inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program.

"I believe that together we will succeed. Since its establishment, GDCOC has effectively contributed not only to boosting public trust in the Interior Ministry, but to strengthening our partnerships at both national and international level," said Mitov.

On February 7, Mitov stressed the importance of lifting the visa requirement for Bulgarians at a meeting with Martin McDowell, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Sofia.

Since 2006, the percentage of refused B-visas for Bulgarians has been below 10% twice. In 2024, it was the lowest ever at 6.02%, according to the US Department of State's website. One of the technical requirements for Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program is that the refusal rate for tourist visas must not exceed 3%.