Bulgaria Gets Green Light from OECD on Anti-Corruption Efforts: Ready for Membership?

Bulgaria has officially received a positive opinion from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the field of combating corruption, the Ministry of Justice announced. This is an important step towards membership in the organization.

The Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions of the OECD gave Bulgaria the green light. According to the group, our country has satisfactorily fulfilled all key recommendations related to the accession process.

The assessment includes a review of Bulgaria's readiness for membership, with an emphasis on the implementation of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials. A positive assessment has also been given to legislative reforms, including in the area of criminal law and the protection of whistleblowers.

Two recommendations remain, which will be under the regular monitoring control of the OECD. They relate to the use of special intelligence means and the rethinking of the prohibition on initiating criminal proceedings based on anonymous reports.

The caretaker cabinet approved a letter to the Chairman of the Investment Committee of the OECD on the progress and position of Bulgaria on the recommendations. The Investment Committee will conduct a new review in April this year.