„Renew Europe“ (Renew Europe) yesterday established a special Working Group that will send a mission to Bulgaria to investigate the government's encroachments on the rule of law in Bulgaria - following alarming reports of political persecution, abuse of prosecutorial powers and systematic blocking of judicial reform.
The decision, adopted yesterday by the Renew Europe Bureau, comes against the backdrop of growing concerns related to the arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev on July 8, 2025 — a case symbolic of the erosion of judicial independence in Bulgaria.
Valerie Aye, President of Renew Europe, commented: “Europe cannot turn a blind eye when the rule of law is under attack within our Union. The situation in Bulgaria requires close scrutiny, courage and solidarity with those who defend democracy and independent justice. Renew Europe will act."
The Renew Bulgaria Task Force will consist of five MEPs and will conduct a special fact-finding mission on the ground in Sofia and Varna, meeting with representatives of the institutions, magistrates, journalists and civil society organisations. A final report with recommendations will be presented by May 2026, ahead of the European Commission’s annual report on the rule of law.
The Renew Task Force will work transparently and in close coordination with European institutions and partners that uphold democratic standards.
In addition to establishing the Task Force, Renew Europe calls on the European Commission to act without any delay to suspend EU payments related to judicial reform — until Bulgaria provides evidence of genuine institutional independence and strengthens prosecutorial accountability with a real separation of powers.
Valerie Aye, President of Renew Europe, also said: “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 attacked by those who abuse state power for political ends. We expect full cooperation from the Bulgarian government. "EU funds should never support systems that undermine the rule of law. Our Task Force will make sure the facts are clear and the consequences are real."