PM Denkov: EC takes final steps to close Cooperation and Verification Mechanism for Bulgaria

There are 5 positive findings in the EC report on Bulgaria, two critical recommendations for insufficient progress in the changes expected from Bulgaria and two recommendations that are mostly for the attention of the Parliament, Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov said at the beginning of the government meeting on July 5.

What is reported as significant progress are the introduction of a mechanism for effective accountability and criminal responsibility of the Prosecutor General (in the event of crimes allegedly committed by the Prosecutor General) and the introduction of judicial control over the prosecutor's refusal to initiate criminal proceedings. Legislation that has been expected from Bulgaria for more than 10 years and the latest Parliament adopted it at the beginning of its work, Denkov said.

Another positive finding is the improved national coordination mechanism for the rule of law and the adoption of legislation to extend the scope of legal aid and the introduction of mandatory mediation in certain types of cases. The fourth positive finding relates to media freedom in Bulgaria, in particular the formation of a working group on legislative changes for media freedom and pluralism.

The fifth finding is the closure of specialised courts and specialized Prosecutor’s offices.

However, the EC notes concerns related to the composition of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) and its Inspectorate. Changes are expected to be resolved in the coming weeks and months, Denkov said.

The findings in the area of prevention and fight against corruption are also critical - mostly related to the lack of convictions for corruption in the higher echelons of power.

Clearly shown as opportunities are the proposals submitted to the Parliament for legislative changes related to reforming the anti-corruption commission and the need for some of these changes to be further developed with amendments to the Constitution - an activity that has been launched in this Parliament.

Denkov quoted the conclusion of the report:

"Commission reporting concluded that both Member States (Bulgaria and Romania) have satisfactorily met the obligations set out under the the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) at the time of accession (to the EU). Residual final steps have now been taken. and the Commission is launching the final steps towards the definitive closure of the CVM for the two Member States."

The final decision, however, rests with the European Council.

"So we should not be reassured by the positive findings, but we should fully implement what is set out as options so that at the next European Council we can report on the full implementation of the recommendations," Prime Minister Denkov added.

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