Renew Europe has set up successfully a Task Force on Government abuses against the Rule of Law in Bulgaria, following alarming reports of political persecution, abuse of prosecutorial powers and systemic obstruction of judicial reform.
The decision, adopted today by the Renew Europe Bureau, comes amid growing concerns over the arrest of Varna’s mayor, Blagomir Kotsev, on 8 July 2025 — a case, emblematic of the erosion of judicial independence in Bulgaria. On our initiative, the European Parliament held this week an urgent debate on systematic attacks on Rule of Law in Bulgaria.
“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.”
Valérie HayerRenew Europe MEP, France, Renaissance
A time-limited Task Force to investigate and report
The Renew Task Force on Bulgaria will consist of five MEPs and 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.
Beyond the set-up of a genuine Renew Europe Task Force, we call on the European Commission to act without any delay regarding a suspension of EU payments linked to judicial reforms — until Bulgaria shows proof of true institutional independence and strengthens prosecutorial accountability with genuine separation of powers.
“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.”MEP Valérie HayerPresident of Renew Europe