In New Center, National Institute of Justice Sees Promising Future
After over a year of planning, design, and construction, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) opened its new building on May 4 in Sofia, further expanding the reach of judiciary training in Bulgaria. The new Study and Information Center will be a resource for all distance-learning programs and research functions, and will house the NIJ library. The USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative, the primary source of ongoing American support for the NIJ, contributed office furnishings and library materials for the new annex.
The opening of the new building was hosted by NIJ Director Pencho Penev and attended by Supreme Court of Cassation Chair Ivan Grigorov. In his address, US Deputy Chief of Mission Alex Karagiannis pledged continued commitment from the US Government, emphasizing the sustainability of the Institute and its bright future, “A great opportunity exists for the NIJ to play a leadership role in Eastern Europe – an opportunity to assist neighboring countries in developing stronger judicial systems, with highly qualified professionals.”
Other dignitaries in attendance included Ambassador Willem Van Ee of The Netherlands, Ambassador Fernando Arias Gonzalez of Spain, and European Commission Representative Michael Humphreys.
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| NIJ staff and partners inaugurate one of the NIJ’s new training rooms |
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