The EC conducts four criminal proceedings against Bulgaria

Bulgaria can be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU under two criminal procedures, related to the rules for public procurement and the construction of the Trans-European Transport Network. The European Commission, quoted by BTA, warned about this.

The EC presented data on a total of four criminal proceedings against our country.

Presumption of innocence

The Commission continues the infringement procedure against Bulgaria and opens one against Spain and Poland for the incorrect implementation of the rules on the presumption of innocence and the right of a defendant to attend court hearings in a criminal case against him. The Rules provide for common minimum standards for the fair trial of suspects and accused persons in the Union. The EC considers that some national measures in the three countries do not meet the requirements. She specifies that she sent the first letter to Bulgaria on this occasion in September of last year, but discovered additional problems with absentee trials and the right to a new trial. The EC gives a two-month deadline for an answer and indicates that it can continue after that with the actions on the procedures.

European Arrest Warrants

The EC sends an additional letter to Bulgaria and opinions to Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and Finland for non-compliance with the rules for the European Arrest Warrant and the procedures for handing over detainees to the country that issued the warrant.

The Commission notes that Bulgaria has failed to properly introduce the provisions related to the detention of wanted persons. The EC gives two months for an answer, and then it can continue the procedure against our country and file a case in the EU Court against Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and Finland.

Procurement

The EC is taking proceedings against Bulgaria, Romania and Spain for non-implementation of EU legislation on public procurement. Rules in this area and for concession contracts had to be introduced into national laws by 18 April 2016 so that countries follow fair and transparent procedures. The EC specifies that these rules aim to open up the market for real competition between EU companies and ensure the best value for society. It is explained that for Bulgaria the procedure is related to the exclusion of private hospitals from the rules for public procurement even when they are partially financed from the budget. The three countries have two months to respond and remedy the deficiencies, otherwise our country and Spain may be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU.

Trans-European transport network

The Commission continues the procedure against Bulgaria, Estonia, Ireland, Croatia, Slovenia and Slovakia and calls on them to improve progress on the construction of the trans-European transport network TEN-T. The rules in this area provide for the smooth completion of key €300 million projects with clearer permitting and procurement procedures. The deadline for implementing the rules was August 10, 2023. Affected countries have two months to respond, or the case could be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU.