The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. The End of the “Exceptionalism”

This chapter aims to provide an overview of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) which was specifically provided for Bulgaria and Romania at the moment of accession, because the two countries did not fully satisfy the Copenhagen criteria. It explains why this tool is considered “exceptional” and why it has proven to be ineffective. At the beginning of the chapter, it provides the context of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania and how the EU Institutions were forced to frame the CVM. Afterwards it analyses pitfalls and shortcomings of the CVM as well as criticisms made by academic scholars; hence, through a comparative analysis, the application of the CVM Romania and Bulgaria is addressed in turn. The conclusive remarks, taking into account the CVM repeal in 2023, argue that its functioning has become informally and then formally part of a new rule of law oversight tools; in addition, it is recommended to carefully assess the compliance with the European Union values of the new candidates States.