EC Reports on Bulgaria and Romania Raise Rule of Law Concerns

The European Commission issued progress reports yesterday on the rule of law in Bulgaria and Romania which indicates continued concerns in both countries.  Overall, the reports indicate that both countries have made some progress, but that there is much more work to be done on issues of judicial independence, organized crime and corruption.  Romania particularly was criticized for undermining the competence of its constitutional court; whereas Bulgaria was told that it must make more inroads against high-level corruption and organized crime.

For a more detailed summary, read the EU Observer report.  To read the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism Reports themselves, visit the EU website.

(cgb)