EC advances infringement case against Bulgaria on legal aid
The European Commission said on June 4 that it advanced the infringement cases against Bulgaria for failing to implement EU rules on legal aid into national law.
In its latest infringements package, the EC said that it sent a reasoned opinion, the second stage of the infringement process, regarding the transposition of Directive (EU) 2016/1919 on legal aid for suspects and accused persons.
EU law ensures that the basic rights of suspects and accused persons are protected, including for persons requested under a European arrest warrant.
In Bulgaria, however, such aid is only granted to accused persons, those formally charged with an offence, and not to suspects, the EC said.
Bulgaria has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the European Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the EC may refer Bulgaria to the European Court of Justice.
(European Commission headquarters Berlaymont building. Photo: JLogan)
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