site.btaEurobarometer: 72% of Bulgarians Want Cooperation and Verification Mechanism to Remain

Eurobarometer: 72% of Bulgarians Want Cooperation and Verification Mechanism to Remain

Sofia, January 25 (BTA) - Some 72 per cent of Bulgarians believe that the European Commission (EC) Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) should continue to function for their country, according to an Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the EC and unveiled by the EC Representation in Bulgaria on Wednesday.

The findings were announced shortly before the EC would publish its latest reports on the CVM for Bulgaria and Romania, which look back on the 10-year period since the mechanism was established for the two new EU member states. In the case of Bulgaria, the CVM encourages and monitors progress in the judicial reform and the fight against corruption and organized crime.

Another 12 per cent of respondents in the survey suggest that the CVM for Bulgaria should be phased out in the following few years. Some 8 per cent want it to be dropped immediately, and the remaining 8 per cent have no opinion.

Practically all Bulgarians believe that corruption (mentioned by 97 per cent of respondents), organized crime (96 per cent) and the flaws of the judicial system (94 per cent) are serious problems facing the nation.

Most respondents say that the CVM has had a positive impact on the judicial system (57 per cent), the fight against organized crime (53 per cent) and the fight against corruption (50 per cent).

According to 28 per cent of those polled, the anti-organized crime situation in Bulgaria has improved since the country joined the EU in 2007; some 25 per cent see improvements in the judicial system; and 17 per cent feel that corruption has diminished.