BCCI supports the declaration of the Joint Chambers of Commerce in Bulgaria

In its programme documents, position papers and opinions the Chamber constantly raises the issue of decisively curbing corruption

BCCI welcomes with satisfaction the Open Letter of the ten Joint Chambers of Commerce in Bulgaria, in which they declare a common position in support of the long-awaited judicial reform in Bulgaria. They express concern over “the increasing impression, both locally and among foreign investors’ circles, that there is not enough rule of law in Bulgaria.”

BCCI constantly raises this issue before all parliamentary represented political parties. The necessity of ending the involvement of political parties and the lobbying interference in the work of the court and prosecutor’s office and of observing the constitutional principle of independence of the judiciary are pointed out in the Chamber’s position paper regarding the Programme Declaration with key priorities to form a stable parliamentary majority in the 43^rd National Assembly. In its positions and opinions, BCCI has also insisted on changing the constitutional model of the judiciary. It has defended the position that the principles of openness, transparency and public control should be applied to the entire judicial system, including the prosecution.

In the Guidelines for its activity in the period 2014 – 2018, BCCI has set out actions for decisively curbing corruption and increasing our country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.

The Chamber monitors the feeling of Bulgarian businesses about justice and rule of law. In a survey among the Chamber’s members conducted in March 2015, 80% of entrepreneurs pointed out the functioning of the judiciary as an obstacle to a favourable business environment. According to the BCCI’s members, the multiple requirements to be met when implementing EU projects are not an instrument for control, but a basis for corruption and discourage investors. The results of the survey were given publicity by the media and received wide public attention.

BCCI will support the efforts of other employers’ organizations and trade unions, and of other structures of the civil society, aimed at successful implementation of the reforms necessary to achieve sustainable development of our country, attractive investment climate, and to gain the trust of investors.