Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Ministry of Justice of Bulgaria signed

On 23 October 2024, Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, and Mariya Pavlova, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria. The document lays the groundwork for further cooperation in reforming the Ukrainian legal system on the path to EU membership.

The MoU envisages the development of partnership and cooperation in the legal sector, in particular in judicial reform, legislative process, training of civil servants, and mutual legal assistance in civil and criminal proceedings. One of the key aspects of cooperation will be the exchange of information on changes in national legislation relating, in particular, to the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, and other areas of law and justice.

The Memorandum will also facilitate the exchange of experience in the implementation and application of European and international legal norms and technological innovations in the legal, judicial and administrative spheres, including through the organisation of seminars, courses, trainings and mutual visits.

"The conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria is an important step towards strengthening intergovernmental cooperation," said Olha Stefanishyna.

The official stressed the importance of such cooperation in the context of European integration processes: "We highly appreciate Bulgaria's support for Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration. This is another evidence that our countries are willing to cooperate to achieve a common goal - Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO."

In particular, she expressed her gratitude to Bulgaria for joining the Joint Declaration of the Group of Seven leaders in support of Ukraine adopted at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, noting that this declaration launched work on concrete, bilateral, long-term security commitments and arrangements with Ukraine.

At the end of the meeting, Olha Stefanishyna thanked the Bulgarian Government and the Bulgarian people for their unwavering support of Ukraine in its struggle for freedom.