Bulgaria's European Prosecutor Selection Under Scrutiny Amid Transparency and Legitimacy Concerns

Selection Process Draws Criticism

The selection process for Bulgaria's next European Public Prosecutor has come under intense scrutiny, facing accusations of lacking transparency and raising questions about the legitimacy of the appointed selection committee. Following public hearings, a special seven-member commission nominated three candidates: Dimitar Belichev, Mihaela Raydovska, and Plamen Petkov. These nominations will now be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval before being sent to the relevant European Union bodies for final selection.

Transparency Deficits Highlighted

Critics have voiced significant concerns over the opaque nature of the selection procedure. Reports indicate that the three shortlisted candidates were widely discussed as favorites days before their public hearings, fueling suspicions that the outcome may have been decided in advance, irrespective of the formal interview process. Although the hearings were technically public, the subsequent deliberations were conducted behind closed doors, with no detailed justification provided beyond a general statement that the chosen candidates 'performed most convincingly'. Some candidates and observers have expressed worries about 'opaque criteria' and 'favoritism', suggesting that 'behind-the-scenes negotiations' could influence the outcome. Furthermore, interviews were described as 'undemanding', with candidates reportedly not pressed on potential links to influential informal networks within the judiciary.

Legitimacy of the Selection Committee Questioned

The composition and mandate of the selection committee have also drawn criticism. The panel included representatives from the Justice Ministry, academia, and both chambers of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). However, questions have been raised regarding the legitimacy of the SJC members' continued participation, as their mandate officially expired in October 2022. The continued operation of the SJC with members serving beyond their expired mandates has been criticized by the European Court of Justice, which argued that such practices undermine judicial independence and violate EU rule-of-law principles. Additionally, some committee members were noted to have previously worked closely with certain candidates.

Broader Context of Judicial Independence

This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing concerns regarding judicial independence in Bulgaria. The vacancy for the European Public Prosecutor arose after the previous Bulgarian representative, Teodora Georgieva, was suspended by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in March 2025, with disciplinary proceedings initiated in September 2025 due to integrity concerns. Bulgaria's prosecutorial system has historically faced criticism, with its highly centralized structure often compared to a 'Russian Stalinist model', raising concerns about unchecked authority and potential for abuse. The selection of an independent and active European Prosecutor is considered crucial for disrupting entrenched networks and exposing major financial schemes involving EU funds in the country.