September 15, 2023
Today, the European Commission formally closes the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) for Bulgaria and Romania.
The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism had been introduced at the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union in 2007 as a transitional measure to facilitate progress in the fields of judicial reform and anti-corruption, as well as on organised crime for Bulgaria. The Commission has now repealed the two decisions that had established that mechanism.
In line with the decisions setting up the mechanism, the CVM ends when all the benchmarks are satisfactorily met. Today’s decisions reflect the Commission’s conclusion that this is now the case for both Member States. The Commission looks forward to continuing cooperation with Bulgaria and Romania under the annual Rule of Law Cycle as for all Member States.
President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I would like to congratulate Bulgaria and Romania for the significant progress they made since their accession to the EU. The rule of law is one of our fundamental common values as a Union and both Member States have delivered on important reforms in these past years. Today we recognise these efforts by putting an endto the CVM. Work can now continue under the annual rule cycle as for all Member States.”
Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourová, said: “I am pleased that today we can officially say: Bulgaria and Romania have satisfied the benchmarks set in the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. Their commitment and close work with the Commission over the years has paid off. It will be important to keep the momentum and continue the efforts under the annual rule of law cycle. This is a good day not only for Bulgaria and Romania but for the European Union as a whole.”
More information is available in a press release and Q&A.