Justice minister Nikolay Naydenov has met Fabian Bornhorst, head of the International Monetary Fund's mission to Bulgaria, to talk about changes being drafted to the laws against corruption and financial crime, the justice ministry says.

The two also discussed how to seize illegally obtained assets, criminal law, and how Bulgaria is meeting recommendations from the EU and other international bodies.

Naydenov set out the government's plans for the justice system. Among the tasks ahead, he pointed to picking a new Supreme Judicial Council and changing the judiciary law to give judges more independence and shield courts from outside pressure.

The minister and Bornhorst also talked about e-justice and the use of artificial intelligence. Naydenov said new technology in the courts needs clear rules written into law too.

"The goal of these reforms isn't the law itself, but more legal certainty for citizens, a more predictable environment for business and more trust in our institutions," the minister said.

Bornhorst said reforms to the rule of law matter for the investment climate, for business and for lasting economic growth.

A day earlier, Naydenov met French ambassador to Bulgaria Marie Dumoulin. He talked to her about upcoming changes to laws and the constitution meant to make the courts work better and guarantee their independence.