PACE to end monitoring of Bulgaria, recognizes it as stable

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is set to terminate its over 26-year post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria. This was announced on September 9 in a proposal from the PACE Monitoring Committee. If approved, it will be officially adopted on October 1 during the Assembly's plenary session.

The information came from Denitsa Sacheva, PACE Vice-President and MP from GERB - SDS, who shared the news on social media. According to her, this move would represent a key moment for Bulgaria, which will finally be monitored in the same way as all other member states – through standard periodic reviews. This would be a significant recognition for the country as a stable and equal member of the European democratic community.

In its report, the Monitoring Committee expressed satisfaction that Bulgaria has managed to overcome the prolonged period of political crisis, characterized by seven consecutive early parliamentary elections between 2021 and 2024. The formation of a coalition government in January 2025 was particularly highlighted, as it has demonstrated "a sustainable political will to abide by the commitments and obligations undertaken in cooperation with the Council of Europe's mechanisms".

Additionally, the Committee welcomed several key reforms. Among them are the amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, which limit the powers of the prosecution. Positive evaluations were also given to measures aimed at combating high-level corruption, including the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Act and the Whistleblower Protection Act. The progress achieved with the amendments to the Public Procurement Act, which aim for greater transparency, was also appreciated.

Despite the positive assessment, the Committee reminds Bulgaria that its work is not yet fully completed. In its report, it emphasizes that the reform of the judicial system and the prosecution has only been partially fulfilled and calls on the Bulgarian authorities to complete it. An emphasis was also placed on the need to continue efforts for the integration of the Roma population, as well as on the strict implementation of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.