Accessible, effective and predictable justice

The objective of this reform is to improve the accessibility, effectiveness and predictability of the justice system.

As a first step in the reform, Bulgaria has adopted a roadmap for the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, which includes specific measures, timelines, and responsible institutions.

Bulgaria also adopted in 2022 amendments to the Legal Assistance Act to broaden the scope of legal assistance, widen the circle of persons eligible for legal assistance and provide for exemptions from court fees.

Further steps in the reform foresee legislative amendments to the Administrative Procedure Code, setting the legal framework for eJustice in administrative cases; annual assessments of the implementation of the e-justice rules laid down in the Civil Procedure Code and the Criminal Procedure Code; .

The implementation of the reform is expected to be completed by 31 March 2026.

Additional links:

• https://mjs.bg/home/index/1228e52f-b6d8-42f3-9eee-39d0ba163701
• https://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=181907