Continuous Efforts for Adherence to the Rule of Law

Duration: May 2024 – May 2027

The “Continuous Efforts for Adherence to the Rule of Law” (CEAR) project outlines a plan to address the multifaceted problems within the Bulgarian justice system and governance structures, emphasizing the principles of inclusiveness and responsiveness to stakeholder needs for sustainable results. Project activities include:

• - Bulgarian-American Judicial and Expert Exchange. It aims at enriching professional discussions and enhancing communication and cooperation, thereby promoting improved institutional functioning and social capital.
• - Expert assistance for improving the functioning of judicial processes and structures. Efforts include expanding the concept of community courts, conducting socio-economic analyses of judicial map reforms, and engaging with stakeholders to promote these reforms. It also includes advocacy for other reforms.
• - Continuing the internship programme for law students.
• - Continuing the rigorous monitoring of leadership appointments within the judiciary and advocating for transparency and legislative change. This stream also includes analytical work on the career development of judicial leaders, expanding efforts in judicial and legal sociology, and providing analysis on the performance of key figures in the judiciary and the independent regulators.
• Financing organization – “America for Bulgaria” Foundation
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• The America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonpolitical American grant-making foundation working in partnership with Bulgarians to strengthen the country’s private sector and related democratic institutions. ABF builds on the success of the Bulgarian-American Enterprise Fund, an investment fund created in 1991 by the U.S. Congress with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development. For more information, please visit www.us4bg.org.