"... The implementation of the Judiciary Sistem Act adopted on first reading of the Bulgarian Parliament will be prone to impede the free association of magistrates in professional organisations while at the same time might prohibit them from sitting on the governing boards of organisations jointly established with representatives of other legal professions...

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On July 12th a draft bill (No 1727) regarding amendments to the Supreme Court Act was filed to the Polish Parliament. This proposal gives the Minister of Justice the right to remove all current Supreme Court judges and retire them. As of the date of entry into force of this bill the Minister of Justice shall designate judges of the Supreme Court who shall remain in active service.

The European Association of Judges was very recently informed about this draft law that would imply a clear attack against the independence of the Polish Judiciary and an undisputable breach on European standards of Judicial Independence.

The European Association of Judges considers that the present situation in Polish Judiciary represents a methodical demolishing of the fundamental right to an independent court in a manner never seen in any democratic country belonging to the European Union and governed by the Rule of Law. 

The European Association of Judges firmly urges the members of the Sejm to reject this draft bill and appeals to all European Institutions to react against such an infringement on fundamental rules that presided to the foundation of European Union and are enshrined on our common European values.

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Dear colleagues and friends,

The Managing Board of the Bulgarian Judges Association wishes you Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year!