The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating political persecution and the alarming deterioration of the rule of law in Bulgaria. This denunciation comes in the wake of the politically motivated arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev on July 8, 2025, an event that has sparked widespread concern both within Bulgaria and across the European Union.
Politically Motivated Arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev
The arrest of Mayor Kotsev occurred under highly questionable circumstances, mere hours before a critical municipal budget vote in Varna, Bulgaria’s third-largest city. Renew Europe describes this action as a clear case of political persecution and a dangerous abuse of state power aimed at suppressing opposition voices. The timing of the arrest, coinciding with Bulgaria’s celebrations of its recent accession to the Eurozone, is seen as a cynical attempt by Bulgarian authorities to divert attention from democratic backsliding and to mask serious governance issues behind positive economic headlines.
Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating:
“Ongoing attacks on democratic standards and the blatant use of justice institutions to target political opponents in Bulgaria are deeply alarming. This is a direct assault on European values, and we call on the Bulgarian authorities to immediately release Mayor Kotsev and put an end to this political repression. Europe cannot remain silent when the rule of law is threatened within our Union.”
Her statement highlights the broader implications of this case for the European Union’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Broader Pattern of State Capture and Judicial Manipulation
The arrest of Kotsev is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of state capture in Bulgaria. Renew Europe points to the increasing politicization of key judicial institutions such as the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Anti-Corruption Commission. Rather than serving as impartial guardians of justice, these bodies are reportedly being used as instruments of political suppression.
This troubling trend has been documented in the 2025 Rule of Law Report, which warns that Bulgaria continues to fail in ensuring judicial independence and in tackling high-level corruption. Renew Europe stresses that the events in Varna starkly illustrate these unresolved structural problems, underscoring the urgent need for stronger EU mechanisms to safeguard democratic standards and the rule of law in member states.
Renew Europe’s Call for EU Action and Solidarity with Bulgarian Opposition
Renew Europe is calling for the issue of Bulgaria’s rule of law and corruption challenges to be raised at the highest levels of the European Union’s institutions. Valérie Hayer urged:
“I am calling on the EU institutions to urgently condemn this arrest. The worrying situation regarding the rule of law in Bulgaria must be discussed at the highest institutional level. We must defend our democratic principles consistently and firmly wherever they are under attack.”
The group also expressed full solidarity with the Bulgarian opposition and all citizens fighting for democratic integrity. Renew Europe demands the immediate release of Mayor Kotsev and insists that the European Parliament and all EU institutions take a firm stance against this blatant political persecution. The message is clear: the people of Bulgaria, and indeed all European citizens, deserve better governance that respects democratic norms and the rule of law.
Public Response and Protests in Varna
The arrest has galvanized local support for Mayor Kotsev, with residents of Varna preparing to protest in his defense. His wife’s emotional Facebook post revealed the personal toll of the arrest, highlighting the human dimension behind the political controversy. She wrote about her concern for their children and appealed for a softer judicial measure that would allow Kotsev to be at home with his family.
A protest was scheduled for July 14, 2025, in front of the Varna Municipality, with citizens rallying to support their mayor, whom they regard as deeply committed to their city. The outcry reflects widespread unease about the misuse of judicial power for political ends and the erosion of democratic freedoms in Bulgaria.
Context: Renew Europe’s Role and Previous Actions
Renew Europe is a centrist, pro-European political group in the European Parliament committed to defending freedom, civil rights, economic growth, and jobs across the EU. The group has previously taken a strong stance against corruption and political manipulation in Bulgaria. For example, in December 2024, Renew Europe’s presidency unanimously recommended the expulsion of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) party due to the actions of its leader Delyan Peevski, who is sanctioned under the US Magnitsky Act for alleged corrupt activities. This decision was part of Renew Europe’s broader efforts to isolate corrupt political actors and uphold democratic standards within the EU framework.
Implications for Bulgaria and the European Union
The situation in Bulgaria represents a critical test for the European Union’s ability to enforce its fundamental values among member states. The misuse of judicial institutions for political ends undermines trust in democratic governance and threatens the cohesion of the Union. Renew Europe’s condemnation and calls for urgent EU-level discussion reflect a growing impatience with Bulgaria’s failure to address systemic corruption and judicial independence.
The case of Mayor Kotsev serves as a symbol of the broader democratic challenges facing Bulgaria. It also highlights the necessity for the EU to develop stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect the rule of law and democratic principles across all member states. Renew Europe’s position underscores the urgency of these reforms and the need for solidarity with those in Bulgaria who continue to fight for democracy and justice.
In conclusion, Renew Europe’s firm condemnation of the politically motivated arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and the broader pattern of democratic backsliding in Bulgaria sends a powerful message to Bulgarian authorities and the European Union alike. The group calls for immediate action to uphold the rule of law, protect political freedoms, and ensure that democratic values remain at the heart of the European project. As Bulgaria faces increasing scrutiny, the European Parliament’s response will be critical in shaping the future of democracy and governance in the country and the Union as a whole.
