Cross-Border Dialogue on Procedural Rights: A Workshop for Lawyers in Sofia

On 30th – 31st March 2026, Bulgarian Helsinki Committee Association hosted in Sofia a crucial International Workshop for Lawyers under the FULL-PROOF project, aimed at enhancing respect for procedural rights in the early stages of criminal proceedings.

The event brought together legal professionals from project partner countries to discuss and share insights on the challenges and best practices in safeguarding the rights of suspects and the accused.

Delving into the EU Procedural Rights Framework

One of the key highlights of Day 1 was the presentation on the EU Procedural Rights Roadmap by UNIBO, providing an overview of the core directives aimed at ensuring fair trials and the protection of suspects. Bärbel Heinkelmann from the European Commission elaborated on the challenges and best practices surrounding the implementation of these directives across EU member states. Matylda Pogorzelska from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights also shared research findings on the practical application of procedural rights in criminal law.

The Bulgarian context was explored with a focus on the country’s challenges in implementing the EU Roadmap directives. Krassimir Kanev from the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee provided valuable insights into the obstacles faced by legal professionals and the government in aligning national practices with EU standards.

Interactive Sessions and Cross-National Discussions

The workshop was structured to encourage an interactive, practice-oriented approach. Participants engaged in simulation-based case studies, including scenarios reflecting real-life challenges faced by lawyers. For example, a World Café session fostered dialogue in larger groups, focusing on “what matters” and “connecting diverse perspectives.” This session provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on the effectiveness of procedural safeguards across different jurisdictions, highlighting both discrepancies and shared challenges.

A roundtable on access to information, legal aid, and the role of lawyers in the criminal justice system featured presentations from legal representatives from Slovenia, Slovakia, Portugal and Italy. These discussions provided a platform for mutual learning, showcasing both the struggles and successes in each country’s approach to procedural rights.

Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Continued Dialogue

The event concluded with discussions on sustaining collaboration among legal professionals, ensuring that cross-border knowledge exchange remains a cornerstone of the project. Finally, the workshop underscored the importance of cross-professional dialogue in strengthening procedural safeguards and advancing justice systems that respect human rights across Europe. It also set the stage for future collaborations aimed at tackling the evolving challenges in criminal justice procedures.