WRITTEN QUESTION E-2401/97 by Leen van der Waal (I-EDN) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Recognition of the Logos Bible Academy in Bulgaria

According to reports in the May 1997 issue of Face to Face (published by 'Droits de l'Homme sans Frontières') the Logos Bible Academy is still not officially recognized by the Bulgarian Government, in spite of repeated attempts to obtain recognition. The Academy is supported by the main, officially recognized Protestant churches in Bulgaria, was certainly recognized by the Sofia courts in 1990 and provides academic training considered equivalent to that of the Faculty of Theology of St Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia. When religious legislation was adopted in 1993 the Logos Bible Academy was refused recognition, as a result of which the Academy has been facing all kinds of practical difficulties.

1. Can the Commission confirm these reports?

2. To what extent is the refusal of official recognition to the Logos Bible Academy in contravention of the principle of freedom of religion as laid down in the Bulgarian constitution and international treaties?

3. Is the Commission prepared to request the Bulgarian authorities to grant official recognition to the Logos Bible Academy as soon as possible?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1997)

1. The Commission confirms the information concerning the non recognition by the Bulgarian government of the 'Logos Bible academy'.

2. It is a matter for the Bulgarian authorities whether or not to recognise a religious institution (group, association or other type of non-profit organisation). Government decisions in this field are based on the following legal texts:

- Article 37, paragraph 2 of the Bulgarian constitution: 'The freedom of conscience and religion shall not be practised to the detriment of national security, public order, public health and morals, or of the rights and freedoms of others',

- the law on persons and family (Article 133 a),

- the law on the legal system.

The law also provides the opportunity for the institution to appeal to the supreme court if recognition is not given.

3. In its opinion on Bulgaria's application for membership of the Community ((Doc. COM(97) 2008 final. )), the Commission noted that 'some gaps remain in respect for fundamental rights, though the new government elected in April has announced a series of positive reforms'. In general the Commission declared that 'freedom of association and demonstration is guaranteed by the constitution and is exercised without difficulty' and that 'freedom of expression in Bulgaria is evidenced by pluralism in the press and other media'. The Commission concluded that Bulgaria is on the way to satisfying the political criteria set by the Copenhagen European Council.

In the light of these and other considerations, the Commission considers that negotiations for accession to the Community should be opened with Bulgaria as soon as it has made sufficient progress in satisfying the conditions of membership defined by the European Council in Copenhagen. The Commission will present a report no later than the end of 1998 on the progress Bulgaria has achieved. On that occasion the Commission will carefully look at the respect of fundamental rights and freedoms in Bulgaria. In the mean time the Commission has advised Bulgaria to take the appropriate measures on the weaknesses identified in the opinion.