site.btaBHC: New In-Depth Liberties Report Warns of Deepening Democracy Crisis in Europe, Flags Bulgaria as Key Offender

A new in-depth report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) places Bulgaria among the countries actively undermining democracy in 2024, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) said here on Monday.

Democracy in Europe is deteriorating in 2024, with even long-standing democratic strongholds showing authoritarian tendencies. The weak enforcement of the European Union’s rule of law mechanisms has failed to make a significant impact, the report finds.

The report identifies Bulgaria as one of Europe’s countries systematically violating the fundamental values of the EU — countries whose governments deliberately and systematically undermine the rule of law. Key concerns include setbacks in anti-corruption efforts, weakened checks and balances, and diminishing civil society influence, alongside stagnation in judicial independence, media freedom, and human rights protections.

Now in its sixth edition, the Liberties Rule of Law Report is more extensive and in-depth than ever, spanning over 1,000 pages. The 2024 edition identifies the most alarming violations across justice, corruption, media freedom, checks and balances, civil society, and human rights within the EU. The comprehensive analysis is the result of collaboration among 43 human rights organizations from 21 EU member states, including the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.

Findings from the report will inform national human rights organizations’ submissions during the European Commission’s regular rule of law dedicated visits to member states this year.

Key concerns about Bulgaria identified in the report: the section of the report about Bulgaria is available here.