Bulgarian Interior Minister: EC Report Is Moderately Positive

Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister, and Interior Minister, Tsvetan Tsvetanov. Photo by BGNES

The annual report of the European Commission under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) is aligned with the expectations prevailing in the last four years, according to Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister, and Interior Minister, Tsvetan Tsvetanov.

The official version of the report was published by the EC Wednesday.

The Minister assessed the report as objective and moderately positive because it "clearly states the political will for reforms in the last two years," since his ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, GERB, party took office.

Tsvetanov, who has been unwavering in his criticism towards the Courts, sometimes using very strong words, stressed that the main recommendations involve continuing with the reform in the judicial system and having a faster legal process.

He voiced satisfaction the reforms in the police are praised and seen as a sign of progress.

Regarding the fact the EC criticism is directed mostly at Bulgaria, not Romania, the Minister pointed out in 2010 Romania had "a much worse report."

"We can say today that Romania and Bulgaria are on the same level, which is a good perspective for both countries," the Interior Minister said.

In Bulgaria, the EC annual report comes at the time the GERB cabinet is facing a no-confidence vote precisely on the grounds of failure in security and home affairs and Tsvetanov's personal failure in the sector.

The full text of the report read HERE.