Bulgaria is in turn the subject of an European Parliament resolution on the rule of law. The European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties and its Chair, Juan López Aguilar (S&D, Spain), adopted a resolution on 1 October on this country already subject to the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, but by a narrow majority: 35 in favour, 30 against (with 1 abstention).
While the country is shaken by anti-corruption protests surrounding Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, the text “deeply regrets that developments in Bulgaria have led to a significant deterioration in respect for the principles of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights, including the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers, the fight against corruption and freedom of the media”.
Parliament “expresses its solidarity with the Bulgarian people in their legitimate demands and aspirations for justice, transparency, accountability and democracy”.
The resolution welcomes in passing the commitments made in the country, such as the “proposal to convene the Grand National Assembly to adopt a new constitution”, and takes note of the appeal to the Venice Commission to assist “in the preparation of this new constitution”.
The text then discusses the problems observed between freedom of the press and various forms of discrimination.
In its chapter on Bulgaria in its report on the rule of law (see EUROPE 12571/5), the European Commission recalls that the perceived level of judicial independence in Bulgaria remains low.
It also notes concerns about the supplementary remuneration and promotion scheme for magistrates. On corruption, it notes progress, but considers that more needs to be done on statistics and evaluation of high-level corruption cases.
It confirms many comments about attacks on journalists, ranging from harassment to abusive legal proceedings.
Links to the Parliament resolution: https://bit.ly/2SgXgjq and to the chapter of the European Commission report: https://bit.ly/30ppBs7 (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)