EPP sends urgent mission to Bulgaria to investigate arrest of opposition GERB party politicians

The European People's Party Group in the European Parliament has sent an urgent mission to Sofia over the arrest of former Bulgarian Prime Minister and GERB leader Boyko Borissov, former Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov and the party’s PR Sevdalina Arnaudova, who were detained on the night of March 17 and released 24 hours later without being charged. This was announced by the EPP group in the EP.

The chairman of the group Manfred Weber has chosen Monika Holmeier - MEP and chair of the parliamentary committee on budgetary control and Jeroen Lenaers - MEP and spokesperson of the EPP group in the parliamentary committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs to participate in the mission in Bulgaria.

The two MEPs have requested meetings with the Bulgarian Prime Minister, the Minister of Interior and the Prosecutor General of Bulgaria.

Following the detention of Borissov, Goranov and Arnaudova on Friday, Weber said the EPP was deeply concerned about "the events in Sofia". He said any alleged misuse of EU funds should be investigated without exception and this includes the responsibility of the authorities to provide explanations to the public.

Former PM Borissov will remain in police custody over the night