site.btaSupreme Judicial Council, EC Officials Discuss Preparation of Sixth Annual Rule of Law Report

Members of Bulgaria’s Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) met with representatives of the European Commission to discuss the preparation of the sixth annual Rule of Law Report, the SJC said on Friday.

During the discussion, representatives of the Judges and the Prosecutors Colleges outlined the steps taken to implement direct elections for members of the Supreme Judicial Council from the professional quota. They emphasized their position that elections for the new composition of the SJC - representing both the magistrates’ and the parliamentary quotas - should be held simultaneously. The challenges associated with the implementation of remote voting and its impact on magistrates' voter participation were also highlighted.

The meeting also addressed ongoing issues regarding the length of competitive procedures for appointing and promoting magistrates, and possible legislative changes to improve these processes.

Additionally, the topic of secondment of magistrates was raised, including the different legislative approaches to its application to judges, prosecutors, and investigators, along with the problems arising from these varying regulations.

The SJC members also clarified the powers of the Colleges in matters concerning the independence of magistrates, specifically detailing the role of the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office in conducting checks and investigations into magistrates.