The National Assembly's agenda for this week includes the first reading of two bills aimed at amending the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria. These legislative initiatives were submitted by the Council of Ministers (CM) and "Democratic Bulgaria" (DB).
To create a unified electronic environment for interaction between relevant institutions, the DB bill proposes the implementation of a "Platform for Production for the Issuance of Residence and Work Permits." This platform will facilitate data exchange and the processing of information related to submitted applications for work and residence permits.
For its part, the Council of Ministers' initiative is aimed at aligning with EU law requirements, seeking to facilitate legal labor migration and prevent the risk of worker exploitation. According to the proposals, if an employer deprives a foreigner of access to the labor market through their own fault, they will be required to pay compensation. Additionally, the bill provides for the mandatory conclusion of a written contract governing the terms for the housing provided by the seasonal worker's employer. A restriction is also proposed whereby service passports should be used exclusively when performing official duties abroad.
Several other legislative changes are on the agenda for the first reading. Deputies will consider proposals from "Progressive Bulgaria" (PB) to amend the Commercial Register Act and the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities Act. Changes to the Electronic Identification Act, submitted by DB and PB, will also be discussed, as well as amendments to the Law on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and on the Control of Toxic Chemical Substances and their Precursors, proposed by the CM.
Thursday's schedule includes the first reading of amendments to the Renewable Energy Act (submitted by the CM), aimed at implementing specific incentives for the use of renewable energy. On Friday, the first reading of amendments to the Digital Content and Digital Services Act and the Sale of Goods Act, submitted by the CM, is expected to be considered.
During the second reading, the parliamentary body will consider a general bill to amend the Law on Support for Agricultural Producers. This has been prepared by the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Forestry based on bills passed at the first vote, submitted by GERB-SDS and PB. During the same period, amendments to the Law on Equality between Women and Men, proposed by the CM, will be discussed, and the activity report of the Council for Electronic Media for 2025 will be voted on.
These legislative changes will impact labor processes and energy costs both in the region and across the country.
The final item on the program is the conduct of regular parliamentary oversight.