Source: European Parliament 2
pursuant to Rule 149 of the Rules of Procedure
Stanislav Stoyanov, Rada Laykova, René Aust, Stanisław Tyszka, Christine Anderson, Markus Buchheit, Petr Bystron, Alexander Sell, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Tomasz Froelich, Marcin Sypniewski, Mary Khan, Milan Mazurek, Arno Bausemer, Anja Arndt, Petras Gražulis, Irmhild Boßdorf, Maximilian Krah, Roman Haider, Gerald Hauser, Ondřej Dostál, Alexander Jungbluth, Petra Steger, Luis‑Vicențiu Lazarus, Ivan David, Marc Jongen
B10‑0198/2025
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on political repression and fundamental rights in Bulgaria
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the Bulgarian Parliament rejected a petition for a referendum on postponing Bulgaria’s euro area accession, signed by over 604 000 citizens (10 % of the active population), exceeding the legal threshold;
B. whereas the Bulgarian President refused to schedule the referendum and the Bulgarian Parliament refused to adopt a resolution calling for a referendum;
C. whereas this led to widespread protests in Bulgaria, which were met with political repression, undermining democracy and public trust;
1. Calls on the Bulgarian Parliament to comply with the law and initiate a referendum on postponing Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area until at least 2043;
2. Condemns the request of the Prosecutor’s Office to arrest and lift the immunity of parliamentarians due to their participation in public protests; notes, with grave concern, that four protesters remain in permanent detention, effectively making them political prisoners in the EU;
3. Expresses concern over disproportionate inspections by institutions, acting under the influence of the ruling majority, targeting individuals and private enterprises supporting the protests;
4. Calls on the Bulgarian authorities to refrain from any politically motivated prosecutions aimed at silencing dissenting voices.