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Diana Kovacheva elected as Bulgarian judge at the European Court of Human Rights

Diana Kovacheva
Photo: Ani Petrova, BNR

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) elected Bulgaria’s Ombudsman Diana Kovacheva as the next Bulgarian judge to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Kovacheva will receive a nine-year term. Out of 214 votes cast, Diana Kovacheva won a majority of 115 votes. Judge Valya Valkova came second with 73 votes. Dragomir Yordanov received 13 votes. In June 2023, a special commission in Sofia shortlisted Kovacheva, Valkova, Yordanov and 7 reserve applicants for the position of Bulgarian judge at ECHR. The term of office of the current Bulgarian judge, Yonko Grozev, expires on April 12.

Meanwhile, former EU Commissioner Meglena Kuneva, who was shortlisted for the position of Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, came second with 70 votes. Michael O'Flaherty from Ireland was elected as the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. He received 104 votes.




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