Bulgaria Fully Implements Seven of 28 Anti-Corruption Recommendations from GRECO

Bulgaria has fully implemented 7 of the 28 recommendations made by the Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), BTA reports. This is stated in the first report assessing Bulgaria's compliance with the recommendations issued three years ago. The recommendations are aimed at preventing corruption and promoting integrity in government and law enforcement. It is noted that 11 recommendations have been partially implemented, and 10 have not been implemented at all.

Bulgaria has also undertaken legislative and policy reforms, but so far they have not yielded results. 

The report describes planned changes to the National Council for Combating Corruption and the procedure for selecting members of the anti-corruption commission. A methodology for assessing corruption risks in the central government is being prepared, as well as a draft code of conduct for officials. It is planned to introduce rules of incompatibility and vetting for advisers to high-ranking government officials.

At the same time, data on members of political cabinets (names, positions, salaries) are still not publicly available. The report calls for improved access to information and public consultations on government legislation. According to the document, Bulgaria has made progress in terms of anti-corruption legislation. New legislation on lobbying is still in the early stages of development. Therefore, the Bulgarian authorities are recommended to complete these reforms without further delay.

The report acknowledges that tangible steps have been taken to encourage the representation of women in the police, and salaries, especially at entry-level and junior levels in the Ministry of the Interior, have been increased. Ethics commissions and experts have been appointed to provide guidance on integrity issues. 

The 2023 Whistleblowing Law is considered a positive development, as authorities are encouraged to conduct regular training on whistleblowing and whistleblower protection. A new risk assessment methodology has been created, which will form the basis of the future anti-corruption strategy of the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior.

However, more significant efforts are needed, including the appointment of senior officials of the Ministry to the positions of Secretary General and Deputy Secretaries General through an open competition. The law also calls for the elimination of practical threats arising from the activities of former police officers after their dismissal from service.

Further recommendations emphasise the need for integrity checks for police officers prior to their appointment, as well as regular integrity assessments throughout their careers.