On 12 February 2026, a specialised one-day training dedicated to the European Investigation Order (EIO), with a particular focus on the interception of telecommunications, was successfully held at the Centre for Training of Lawyers “Krastyo Tsonchev” in Sofia. The event was organised by Foundation “Law and Internet” within the framework of the INCEPT project.
The training took place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and brought together 36 participants, including judges, prosecutors, lawyers and investigators. It became a large-scale professional forum for in-depth discussion on one of the most complex and sensitive areas of cross-border criminal cooperation.
The lecturers were Prosecutor Tsvetomir Yosifov and Judge Marieta Nedelcheva - both highly experienced practitioners in the field of international judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Their practice-oriented approach, supported by real-life case studies and concrete procedural examples, provided participants with both a solid legal framework and practical tools directly applicable to their daily work.
The training addressed:
- the legal grounds and procedural requirements for issuing and executing an EIO;
- the specificities of cross-border interception of telecommunications;
- technical and organisational challenges;
- safeguards for the protection of fundamental rights;
- good practices and common difficulties encountered in practice.
The discussions were dynamic, substantive and highly interactive, creating an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment throughout the day.
Three representatives of the Foundation “Law and Internet” actively contributed to the event, including Mina Kyurkchieva and Sofia Spasova. They facilitated discussions and presented the ongoing work under the INCEPT project, particularly the development of a practical handbook and methodology designed to support legal professionals in cross-border investigations and promote a more effective and consistent application of the European Investigation Order.
Participants shared practical challenges from their professional experience and exchanged perspectives on national approaches to the execution of EIOs. The training provided valuable new insights, especially regarding the interception of telecommunications - an area that requires a careful balance between legal precision, technical expertise and effective international cooperation.
Feedback highlighted the high quality of the content, the practical relevance of the case discussions and the importance of creating a platform for cross-professional dialogue.
Beyond expanding knowledge, the event fostered a strong professional community committed to improving the practical application of the European Investigation Order. The atmosphere was intensive, expert-driven and inspiring - a truly impactful and memorable experience for all professionals involved in cross-border investigations.
The INCEPT project continues its work on developing practical tools and sustainable solutions in support of legal practitioners across Europe, strengthening cooperation and expertise within the European legal space.
