European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi has stated that she perceived “pressure” from the Bulgarian government in connection with the appointment of Teodora Georgieva as Bulgaria’s European Prosecutor, speaking in an interview for bTV’s “120 Minutes” with Svetoslav Ivanov.
The remarks come amid an ongoing institutional dispute surrounding Georgieva, who is currently under disciplinary proceedings within the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). The proceedings followed the emergence of leaked recordings allegedly capturing a conversation between Georgieva and former investigator Petyo Petrov, known as “the Euro” (Evroto) who has been accused of influence peddling in the judiciary. The internal process concluded in February 2026, finding Georgieva responsible for “serious misconduct.”
Georgieva, in turn, has alleged that she was subjected to pressure and threats from senior Bulgarian officials, including prosecutors and political figures. In her public statements, she referred to then-acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov, Sofia City Prosecutor Emilina Rusinova, and DPS leader Delyan Peevski, who has been sanctioned over corruption allegations.
Kovesi linked the disciplinary case to the circumstances of Georgieva’s initial appointment in 2020. She pointed to the national selection process, where Georgieva ranked third, while other candidates were initially placed higher. However, following changes in the procedure, Georgieva was ultimately appointed as Bulgaria’s European Prosecutor during the period of the third government of Boyko Borissov, when Danail Kirilov was justice minister.
