site.btaVisiting MEPs Meet the Media in Sofia

A mission of the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visiting Bulgaria on October 12-13 gave a news conference at Sofia's Europe House on Friday.

The aim is to review and assess the latest developments in the country.

"We welcome the ambitious and comprehensive amendments and reforms planned by this government," said the DRFMG leader Sophie in 't Veld (Renew Europe). "The political forces have overcome some significant obstacles and have decided to unite in the name of national interest," she said. She said many initiatives have been taken on reforms. Some of the judicial reforms are beginning to bear fruit, others are yet to come, she noted. In 't Veld pointed out that democracy and the rule of law are issues that the European Parliament's LIBE has been following for years. “We want a long-term perspective, not just an overview of trends,” she said.

The Netherlands MEP pointed out that it is important how the laws are implemented, but everything depends on the good will of the people and their commitment. "The Venice Commission has issued an opinion on judicial reform. I hope it will be taken in depth," said in 't Veld. Regarding the independence of the Prosecutor General, she said there must be guarantees that there is no risk of political influence.

The reform package does not exist only to plug holes, but to create a reliable sustainable foundation, the MEP said. She said the reform package should be adopted promptly, but at the same time there should be consultations with all stakeholders. There should be no room for impunity, said in 't Veldt. Proceedings from the past, even those involving persons in high positions, must continue, she added. 
Regarding freedom of speech, the situation in Bulgaria has improved. Bulgaria has risen in the index of freedom of speech, she said. She also reported an improvement in the government's efforts to guarantee this freedom. However, the situation is not perfect. According to in 't Veld, there is a transparency problem regarding the ultimate owners. Lawsuits are also an important problem. European legislation is being prepared, but it will not be enough and national legislation should be enhanced, she said. She expressed satisfaction with the that the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism for monitoring the rule in law in Bulgaria had been removed. "It should have happened a long time ago," in 't Veld said. 
"I strongly disagree with the position of the Netherlands, which blocks Bulgaria and Romania for Schengen", she said. In her words, this is local politics. The Dutch MEP expressed hope that the veto would soon be lifted. 
 
"We have draft amendments to the Constitution, which, unfortunately, for the most part are not supported by the Venice Commission," said S&D MEP Elena Yoncheva. The prosecutor general and the prosecution service will be under political influence if these amendments are passed, she added. Yoncheva pointed out that the prosecution service should be accountable to the court, not to politicians. "Judicial reform should not be dependent on the speed with which constitutional reforms are adopted, because there is no deadline,” she said.