site.btaJustice Minister, EU Ambassadors Discuss Judicial Reforms, Better Business Climate in Bulgaria

Justice Minister, EU Ambassadors Discuss Judicial Reforms, Better Business Climate in Bulgaria

Sofia, February 11 (BTA) - Justice Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva acquainted the ambassadors of EU member-states in Bulgaria, of Norway and Switzerland with the actions undertaken to draft measures relevant to the recommendations of the European Commission report and the progress of judicial reform, Zharieva's ministry said Thursday.

Zaharieva also acquainted the diplomats with the government's legislative initiative related to restoring the investment climate in the country.

The Ministry of Justice has prepared a complete analysis and action plan in line with the recommendations in the report. Last week these were sent to the relevant institutions, the Supreme Judicial Council and the prosecution which are expected to suggest additional measures and time-limits by Friday.

Zaharieva also stressed that the most pressing priorities of her team are revisions to the Judicial Power Act and continuing the reform in legal education, as well as the importance of introducing e-justice in Bulgaria.

Dutch Ambassador here Tom van Oorschot, whose country is currently holding the EU Presidency, underscored the need of tangible results in 2016 in the field of judicial reform, the fight against corruption and organized crime. An independent and reliable judiciary, as well as concrete results in the investigation of cases in the corridors of power are essential for building confidence in the Bulgarian judicial system, he said. The Bulgarian public deserves to be able to trust in the supremacy of law and this would contribute to a better investment climate and economic development, he added.