EWMI’s USAID-funded Bulgaria Judicial Strengthening Initiative (JSI) worked to strengthen and improve the administration and operations of the courts and the court system; improve the capacity of magistrates and court staff; and assist with drafting and implementing key laws and regulations to support effective rule of law. By building long-term relationships with both governmental and nongovernmental partners and using innovative approaches such as institutional development indices and court improvement plans, EWMI was able to assist Bulgaria create a judiciary that is better educated, more efficient, and more transparent, thereby contributing to Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union.