Balkan Constitutional Forum’s Discussion Will Strengthen Rule of Law Culture, EC Vice President Jourová Says

Konstantin Karagyozov

European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová (BTA Photo)

Sofia,

27.10.2023 11:24

(BTA)

Addressing the first annual meeting of the Balkan Constitutional Forum in Sofia on Friday, European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová said that this discussion will strengthen the rule of law culture. Jourová noted that there are regular debates on the EU rule of law in a number of European institutions.

The EU Vice President said that the purpose of the event was to discuss constitutional and legal issues at European and state levels, as well as the need for harmony between them. She described constitutional law as a charter of values, as constitutional courts in different countries are the defender of last resort of fundamental rights.

Jourova warned that the rule of law should not be taken for granted as it is often subject to attacks. It is the constitutional court which comes forward in such cases.

Attending the forum in Sofia are also Koen Lenaerts - President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Marko Bošnjak - Vice President of the European Court of Human Rights, Bulgaria’s Deputy PM Mariya Gabriel and Bulgarian Justice Minister Atanas Slavov. Constitutional magistrates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Romania, North Macedonia, Turkiye, Croatia and Montenegro are also attending the meeting.

/RY/