Last week, Renew Europe successfully set up a Task Force on Government abuses against the Rule of Law in Bulgaria. This follows alarming reports of political persecution, abuse of prosecutorial powers and systemic obstruction of judicial reform.
The Renew Europe Bureau's decision comes amid growing concerns over the arrest of Varna’s mayor, Blagomir Kotsev, on 8 July 2025. This case was emblematic of the erosion of judicial independence in Bulgaria. The European Parliament thus held an urgent debate on systematic attacks on Rule of Law in Bulgaria.
Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, said:
“Europe cannot look away when the rule of law is under attack inside our Union. The situation in Bulgaria demands scrutiny, courage and solidarity with those who defend democracy and judicial independence. Renew Europe will act.”
Renew Europe’s Task Force on Bulgaria will consist of five MEPs, who will carry out a fact-finding mission on the ground in Sofia and Varna – meeting institutional actors, magistrates, journalists and civil society organisations. A final report with recommendations will be presented by May 2026, ahead of the European Commission’s annual Rule of Law report.
Renew Task Force will work transparently and in close coordination with the European institutions and partners defending democratic standards. Renew Europe is calling on the European Commission to stop EU payments linked to judicial reforms until Bulgaria can show that its institutions are truly independent and that prosecutors are properly held accountable under a clear separation of powers.
Hayer continued to say:
“The case of Blagomir Kotsev is not an isolated incident. It is a test of Europe’s resolve to defend its values when they are challenged by those who misuse state power for political ends.
We expect full cooperation from the Bulgarian government. EU funds must never support systems that undermine the rule of law. Our Task Force will make sure the facts are clear and the consequences are real.”