A billateral cooperation agreement between the Bulgarian Interior Ministry and OLAF is being prepared and is expected to be finalized in May.

Bulgaria's Interior Minister Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov had talks with Ian Walton, Director of the Investigations and Operations Directorate at the European Anti-Fraud Office. OLAF highly assessed its already existing collaboration with Bulgaria, according to the Ministry's press office.

The meeting was also attended by the Heads of Units with the Directorate. The European Anti-Fraud Office representatives highly assessed the level of cooperation with Bulgaria in the fight against fraud with EU funds.

The AFCOS Directorate (Coordination of Fight against the Infringements Affecting the Financial Interests of the European Union) within the Ministry of Interior was also commended for its activity and support as OLAF's national contact point. Minister Tsvetanov expressed his gratitude for the opportunity AFCOS officials to take part in the OLAF training programs.

During the talks the specific aspects of the cooperation in investigations related to financial fraud with the EU funds were considered. Special attention was paid to the strengthening of the partnership in the counteraction to cigarette smuggling. Concrete steps in future joint activities were agreed.