On a theme conference on October 29, 2013 Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives (BILI) presented the 2013 Judicial Reform Review for Bulgaria. It follows the methodology of the American Bar Association, Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI). The previous issues were published in 2002, 2004, and 2006. The current fourth edition covers the period immediately after Bulgaria’s full EU membership and the first five years of this membership. Distinctive of this issue is the progress in three of the thirty factors covered: “Judicial Qualification and Training”, “Judicial Conduct Complaint Process”, “Computers and Office Equipment”.
The event, which evoked an active discussion, was honored by many magistrates, renowned jurist, non-governmental sector experts, international guests, as well as members of the Supreme Judicial Council. BILI invited all members of the Legal Affairs Committee with the National Assembly. The only one to accept the invitation was Mr. Yanaki Stoilov via his assistant, Mr. Marian Karagyozov.
BILI’s Director, Mrs. Gyaurova-Wegertseder, opened the event and emphasized that “this index is an objective assessment which shows what has been done well and what could be done better so that this reform, which is key to the development of this country in the last 23 years and ahead, be accomplished in depth and in a way which inspires with respect both us, the lawyers, and all members of our society and our international partners”.
Deputy prime-minister and Minister of Justice Ms. Zinaida Zlatanova opened the conference. The results of the 2013 JRR were presented by Mr. Hristo Ivanov, Program Director, of BILI, followed by a commentary by the Chairperson of the Supreme Court of Cassation Prof. Lazar Gruev. Prominent representatives of the academia, former Constitutional Court justices, lawyers, and judges participated in the discussion.