Judicial Reform Discussed by Bulgarian Officials and Experts

A high-level discussion, "Where to Next with the Judicial System?," brought together Bulgarian Judiciary members, MPs, and experts in Sofia. Organized by the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives, the event addressed key issues in the legal system and potential reforms, CE Report quotes BTA

Among the participants were National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova, President Rumen Radev, Supreme Court of Cassation President Galina Zaharova, and European Prosecutor Teodora Georgieva. Discussions focused on judicial working conditions, recruitment, and legislative quality.

Kiselova emphasized the need for measured legislative changes rather than frequent constitutional amendments. President Radev called for decisive action against political and oligarchic influences in the judiciary, criticizing the lack of institutional response to corruption. He warned that continued influence networks could undermine reforms.

Zaharova stressed the importance of judicial independence for the rule of law, arguing that an impartial and skilled judiciary is essential for effective justice. Georgieva highlighted legal loopholes that hinder fraud investigations and called for legislative amendments to align Bulgaria’s laws with EU standards.

EU General Court Judge Alexander Kornezov expressed concern over judicial apathy and emphasized that judicial independence is also a matter of EU law. Prof. Ekaterina Mihaylova warned about the risks of prolonged office terms, stating that excessive tenure fosters political influence.

The forum underscored the need for concrete reforms to ensure an independent and effective judiciary in Bulgaria.