site.btaDeputy PM Zaharieva Receives European Commission Director-General for Justice, Consumers Astola

Sofia, July 4 (BTA) - Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva Tuesday received European Commission Director-General for Justice and Consumers Tiina Astola, who is visiting Sofia, Zaharieva's Ministry said in a press release.

Zaharieva familiarized the guest with the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council: growth and jobs, citizens' rights, energy union and climate action, security and home affairs, and strengthening the European presence in global terms. "We will keep the unity and solidarity among Member States by reaching compromise solutions," the Foreign Minister said. "Internationally, Bulgaria will focus on the European perspective of the Balkans, cooperation in the Black Sea region, and the European Neighbourhood Policy".

Regarding priorities in the justice sector, Zaharieva stressed the need to introduce e-justice in Bulgaria by 2018, as required by the Judicial System Act. "Citizens' and lawyers' online communication with the court will ease access to justice, will show which magistrates have problems with the quality of their judicial instruments, and will help work on the drawing of a new judicial map. During the Bulgarian Presidency we will be seeking to hold intense discussions on the drafting of the new EU e-Justice Strategy," the Deputy PM said.

She further highlighted the need to improve the legal framework on protection of the interests of the child by strengthening the rules for parental responsibility in a cross-border situation, as well as the civil aspects of international child abduction: the Brussels IIa Regulation.

Zaharieva also stressed her country's consistent position in favour of the establishment of a strong, independent and effective European Public Prosecutor's Office for the criminal prosecution of financial fraud.

At their meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Director-General also discussed European cooperation in combating corruption, as well as stepping up work on the Regulation on the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders.