site.btaBulgaria Welcomes Closure of EU Cooperation and Verification Mechanism

Bulgarian politicians Friday hailed the European Commission's decision to close the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism for Bulgaria and Romania. The Mechanism was introduced when Bulgaria and Romania acceded to the European Union in 2007 as a transitional measure to facilitate progress in the fields of judicial reform and anti-corruption, as well as on organized crime for Bulgaria.

Following are highlights of the statements by Bulgarian officials in response to the news: 

Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov: Yet another barrier on Bulgaria’s way to full-fledged integration into the EU has been removed. We need to remove the remaining barriers in a short time, the ones to Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area and the eurozone. On behalf of the Bulgarian Government, I would like to express my gratitude to the European Commission and the EU Member States' leaders for their appreciation of the progress made by Bulgaria and Romania in implementing the rule of law and the closing of the special verification mechanism for our countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel: The closure of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism is an acknowledgement and unreserved appreciation of the work done by Bulgaria’s Government and National Assembly to ensure that this country implemented fundamental and sustainable rule-of-law reforms. These reforms clearly demonstrate Bulgaria’s ability to fulfill its obligations as a predictable and reliable member of the European Union. This is also a recognition of the long-standing vigorous efforts of Bulgaria's citizens and civil society.

Justice Minister Atanas Slavov: Today's decision of the European Commission is a significant success and a recognition of the rule-of-law reforms that are taking place in Bulgaria. This significantly enhances the credibility of the Bulgarian justice system and will have a positive impact on the process of Bulgaria's Schengen and eurozone integration.

Continue the Change Co-leader Kiril Petkov: The closure of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism is a huge victory for Bulgaria. It is only the 100th day since this Government took office, and this is already a national success. Denkov and Mariya Gabriel have worked together as a team. This is a great achievement for them and the whole Government. [Addressing the PMs of Austria and the Netherlands] It is time for you to join the European consensus and back Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to Schengen because only with the inclusion of these two countries will the Schengen area become a security zone. Time has come for this decision to be taken this year.

Democratic Bulgaria Co-leader Hristo Ivanov: Bulgaria is finally shedding its image as the most corrupt country. This is a major national success which is due to our partners' awareness that Bulgaria has a political elite capable of following an agenda, identifying its priorities and shaping its government policies accordingly. We need to adopt ambitious and significant amendments to the Constitution leading to the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), SJC Inspectorate, and a new prosecutor general, all of whom need to be credible figures. We have a good reason to congratulate ourselves. This is good news for Bulgarian business and Bulgaria's reputation, but at the same time it is also a credit of trust that we have yet to justify.

Vice President Iliana Iotova: The closure of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism is undeniable one of the best pieces of news Bulgaria has received recently. The efforts that many Bulgarian governments, politicians and European MPs have made over 17 years are finally being rewarded. The bottom line is that one of the most widely circulated 'arguments' of some European partners of ours for the delay of Bulgaria's Schengen accession has been refuted.