site.btaBulgaria Asks for EU Assistance with Courts' Structural Reform

Sofia, July 21 (BTA) - In a June 21 letter, Deputy Prime Minister for judicial reform Ekaterina Zaharieva and Justice Minister Tsetska Tsacheva asked the EC's Structural Reform Support Service for assistance in support of the structural reform of Bulgarian courts, the Justice Ministry said.

They have suggested an expert mission modelled on a 2016 mission which carried out a review of the Bulgarian prosecution service. A working group of EU judges will be drawn up to carry out working visits to Bulgaria and prepare a report with findings and recommendations.

Also, Bulgaria asked for expert assistance for the Inspectorate of the Supreme Judicial Council with regard to the exchange of experience and good practices with bodies with similar powers in EU countries.

The letter has been sent to EC Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, who oversees the Structural Reform Support Service, EC Vice President Frans Timmermans and Alexander Italianer, Secretary General of the European Commission.