site.btaBulgaria, Germany Discuss Judicial Cooperation, Justice Reforms, Digitalization

Bulgaria and Germany discussed judicial cooperation, justice reforms and digitalization at a meeting between Bulgarian Deputy Justice Minister Irena Borisova and Annette Kramme, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany's Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, the Bulgarian Justice Ministry said.

Borisova said it was important for the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to be conducted with maximum transparency and guaranteed freedom of the professional vote. As part of these safeguards, she pointed to a dedicated channel on the ministry's website for magistrates to confidentially report any attempts to pressure them or interfere in the election process.

Borisova also presented the priorities in the justice sector under the government's programme and outlined specific steps being taken by the government to combat corruption.

The two sides also discussed the digitalization of the justice system, the ministry said.

Amendments to the Judicial System Act adopted by Parliament on June 26 set out the procedure for electing the new SJC.