site.btaJustice Ministry to Provide Financial Support for Council of Europe's Work on Human Rights and Democracy

Bulgaria will make a voluntary targeted contribution of EUR 20,000 to support the Council of Europe (CoE) in clearing the backlog of duly substantiated complaints to the European Court of Human Rights and to back the Venice Commission's work in favour of democratic institutions which respect the rule of law and human rights in the period 2024-2028, the Government Information Service reported on Wednesday.

The government approved a draft agreement to this end between the Ministry of Justice and the CoE.

The voluntary targeted contribution will have a positive effect on the Justice Ministry's cooperation with the CoE and Bulgaria's image in the organization, and will strengthen Sofia's proactive stand in promoting the CoE's principles and values, including democracy, rule of law and human rights. The step is also expected to boost international trust in Bulgaria.

The money will be provided from the Justice Ministry's 2023 budget. The implementation of the agreement will not affect the general budget framework and will not require additional funding.