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The EC approves the amendments to the Constitution of Bulgaria

by AI | 25.Jul 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The changes were recommended due to the observed persistent problems, said Věra Jourová

Press conference of EC Vice-President Věra Jourová Photo: TASR, Jaroslav Novak

BRUSSELS – The European Commission has published its fifth annual report on the rule of law – 2024, which examines developments in this area in all EU member states. The Commission acknowledges the adopted changes to Bulgaria’s Constitution. It is noted that the country has adopted a comprehensive constitutional reform to improve the independence of the judiciary and address long-standing concerns in this area.

The report states that the reform enshrines in the Constitution the mechanism for accountability and criminal responsibility of the Prosecutor General, limits his powers, and divides the Supreme Judicial Council into two separate councils. It further adds that the new changes to the Bulgarian constitution have led to the limitation of the President’s powers in appointing caretaker governments and the expansion of opportunities for making inquiries to the Constitutional Court.

Whenever we recommend constitutional changes, it is due to persistent problems in the respective country, said Vice-President of the European Commission Vĕra Jourová at a press conference presenting the EU annual rule of law report.

EU countries determine for themselves what changes to make in their constitutions. In Bulgaria, we observe a rather unstable situation, therefore we urged consideration of a constitutional change, noted Jourová.

The EC acknowledges the reform in the Commission for Combating Corruption and Confiscation of Illegally Acquired Assets, which has been divided into two separate bodies – the Commission for Combating Corruption and the Commission for Confiscation of Illegally Acquired Assets. In Bulgaria, additional efforts are needed to achieve final convictions in cases of high-level corruption, writes the Commission.

Bulgaria is among the member states that have taken positive steps to improve access to public information, according to the report.

At the same time, there has been a delay in appointments to mandate positions in the country.

Challenges remain in the quality of the legislative process in the country, the document states.

The report also notes specific recommendations, guidelines, and assessments of the state of justice in Bulgaria at this moment. (24.07.2024)