HM The Queen awards Diana Kovatcheva Member of Order of the British Empire Honour
Diana Kovatcheva has been awarded the MBE for her tireless efforts against corruption and for the rule of law in Bulgaria.
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Medal
Diana Kovatcheva, former Head of Transparency International and former Minister for Justice, has been accepted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). Mrs. Kovatcheva has been recognised for her tireless efforts against corruption, for her commitment to creating a more transparent and independent judiciary and her constant efforts to ensure the rule of law.
The Honour also recognises Mrs Kovatcheva’s efforts to promote transparency and integrity to issues of significant public interest in her work at Transparency International – Bulgaria.
During her time in office, Mrs Kovatcheva is remembered for the adoption of Asset Recovery legislation in Bulgaria in 2012 which for the first time in Bulgaria introduced civil confiscation, her commitment to promote the standards of juvenile justice, and her engagement on property disputes faced by British nationals in Bulgaria. At Transparency International-Bulgaria, she led the monitoring of Trakya Motorway and campaigns against vote buying.
Mrs. Kovatcheva will be presented with a warrant signed by Her Majesty The Queen and a formal insignia by the British Ambassador, Jonathan Allen, at an official ceremony at the Ambassador’s Residence in Sofia. Mrs. Kovatcheva’s honour has been published on the British government website.
The MBE is awarded for a significant achievement or outstanding service to the community and service that stands out as an example to other people.
Jonathan Allen, British Ambassador to Bulgaria, said:
I am pleased that HM The Queen has honoured Diana Kovatcheva with the MBE. Throughout her career, Diana Kovatcheva has been a steadfast supporter of transparency and the rule of law. In office, she pressed forward on reforms to improve the judiciary, including e-justice. Judicial reform is not only vital for Bulgaria’s security and prosperity, but also for its partners, like the UK, who are directly affected. Diana Kovatcheva has achieved much and no doubt she will continue to be a force for good in the future. I am delighted that she has accepted this honour.
Diana Kovatcheva MBE, commented:
It is my greatest honour to be accepted as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is with enormous gratitude that I accept this prestigious award. I take it as great privilege and great responsibility to continue working tirelessly and with devotion in pursuit of the values that I believe in. Such an outstanding award cannot be achieved with the efforts of just one person. This honour is recognition also of the efforts of my colleagues from Transparency International – Bulgaria and my team at the Ministry of Justice. It is their trust and dedication that have always been my source of inspiration and courage. I take this opportunity to thank H.E. Ambassador Jonathan Allen for his kind and sincere support.
More about MBE
The Order of the British Empire recognises distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds. It was established on 4 June 1917 by King George V, and comprises five classes, in civil and military divisions. The five classes of award to the Order are, in descending order of seniority:
- Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE)
- Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE or DBE)
- Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Today the Order of the British Empire is the order of chivalry of British democracy. Valuable service is the only criterion for the Award, and the Order is now used to reward service in a wide range of useful activities. Citizens from other countries may also receive an honorary award, for services rendered to the United Kingdom and its people. There are more than 100,000 living members of the Order throughout the world.
St Paul’s Cathedral is the Chapel of the Order. The motto of the Order is “For God and the Empire”.