In 2005, Bulgaria signed its Treaty of Accession to the European Union. More than a decade of ever closer integration with the Union was finally made official. The process of accession has left its mark on a wide rage of issues – from constitutional reform to agriculture. Most importantly, meeting the requirements for membership has been the key guarantee for the sustainability of reforms in Bulgaria.

Nowhere has this been more relevant than in the areas where the Center for the Study of Democracy itself has made significant contribution – judicial reform, combating organized crime and corruption. The period between the signing of the Treaty and effective membership is one of intense monitoring of the implementation of Bulgaria’s commitments in these fields. CSD’s work in measuring corruption as a way of informing anti-corruption policy is increasingly been referenced in this process.