The EC calls for Sofia to speed up judicial reforms and fight against corruption

The report notes legislative progress in Bulgaria during the Zhelyazkov cabinet's term, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reports.

"Bulgaria has engaged in reform efforts, in dialogue with the Commission, under the Rule of Law cycle and the Recovery and Resilience Plan, and there have been several legislative developments particularly in the past six months," the report states.

It calls for the advancement of draft legislative amendments aimed at improving the functioning of the Inspectorate to the Supreme Judicial Council, while mitigating the risk of political influence, particularly through the involvement of judicial bodies in the selection of its members.

The EC has urged Bulgaria to prevent the long-term secondment of judges, elect a new Supreme Judicial Council and organise elections for a new Judicial Inspectorate.

According to BGNES, the EC also recommends strengthening the effectiveness of the Anti-Corruption Commission and introducing clearer standards and mechanisms for the integrity of senior executive positions.