Oversight and accountability
News about public finance control, institutional oversight, audits, inspections, and transparency.
The Consumer Protection Commission guarantees a smooth transition to the euro.
The Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), Maria Filipova, reveals details about the measures taken to ensure a smooth introduction of the euro in Bulgaria. Mandatory dual pricing in leva and euro will be introduced, and the CPC and the Commission for Protection of Competition will conduct regular inspections to prevent unjustified price increases.
The Consumer Protection Commission takes strict measures against unjustified price increases before the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.
The chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission, Maria Filipova, explained that the most severe sanction for unjustified price increases during the transition to the euro is the compulsory return to the old prices and compensation of damages to consumers. The Commission conducts joint inspections with the National Revenue Agency, focusing on food stores and catering and entertainment establishments.
Consumer protection at the center of attention: The Chairman of the CPC promises active actions to monitor prices
The Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Maria Filipova announced an ambitious program to monitor prices in retail chains. There will be 15 events per day within 30 days, in order to hear the concerns of citizens and discuss the proper implementation of the Euro Law with the business community.
Civil Aviation Administration imposes sanctions on airport operators due to poor passenger service
The Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) has uncovered numerous violations during an inspection of ground operators servicing the airports in Sofia, Varna, and Burgas. Problems have been identified with hygiene, passenger service, and provision of information, for which maximum foreseen penalties will be imposed. The CAA has issued instructions for improving the services, and will continue intensive monitoring until sustained improvement is achieved.
The regulators are monitoring speculative practices in the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.
The chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission, Maria Filipova, announced that they will jointly conduct inspections with the National Revenue Agency and the Commission for Protection of Competition for unjustified price increases by merchants who are using the introduction of the euro for speculation. Filipova emphasized that they will be uncompromising towards any unfair business practices and will monitor the proper currency conversion and rounding.
The state undertakes unprecedented measures to prevent price speculation upon the introduction of the euro.
The Revenue Agency, the Commission for Protection of Competition and the Commission for Consumer Protection are conducting large-scale inspections in the commercial network to prevent speculative price increases in the transition to the euro. The Chairperson of the CPC, Maria Filipova, states that unjustified price increases will not be allowed and that serious sanctions will be imposed in case of established violations.
Leaders of the Consumer Protection Commission and the "Podkrepa" trade union promise joint actions for a smooth transition to the euro.
The Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission Maria Filipova and the President of the trade union organization CITUB "Podkrepa" Dimitar Manolov agreed on close cooperation in the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria. The two will coordinate efforts to inform citizens and control the market during the transition.
IKEA recalls garlic presses due to risk of metal particles
The Consumer Protection Commission announces the recall of IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL, black garlic presses, with barcode 20152158 and batch numbers from 2411 to 2522 due to the risk of small metal particles separating, which could end up in food. Consumers are urged to stop using the product and return it to an IKEA store for a full refund.
The Consumer Protection Commission takes strict measures against speculation with the introduction of the euro.
The chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission, Maria Filipova, announced a detailed plan to counteract any potential speculation in commercial establishments after the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria from January 1, 2026. The Commission will conduct inspections of high-risk establishments and impose fines of up to 50,000 leva for each violation.
The Registry Agency optimized its electronic services over the weekend.
The Agency for Entries will perform technical activities to improve information security and the quality of the offered electronic services. As a result, there will be temporary interruptions in the operation of the registers on June 14 and 15, 2025.
The business and the Consumer Protection Commission are joining efforts for a smooth transition to the euro in Bulgaria.
The Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria (BICA) and the Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Maria Filipova held a meeting to coordinate a national information campaign on the introduction of the euro in the country. The two organizations agreed to actively cooperate to reach all segments of businesses and consumers with timely and accessible information for the smooth transition to the new currency.
The protection of consumers during the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria - a guarantee of stable prices
The Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) guarantees that there will be no unjustified price increases during the transition to the euro. The CPC will work closely with other institutions to prevent any unfair market practices. Strict sanctions are envisaged against merchants who abuse the introduction of the single European currency.
Triple alliance for the protection of consumers and businesses with the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria
The National Revenue Agency (NRA), the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) and the Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP) signed an agreement for enhanced cooperation and coordination in order to prevent unjustified price increases during the transition to the euro. The institutions are joining efforts to monitor key commodity groups and impose strict sanctions against abuses.
French notification regarding defective pressure oil separator tanks
The State Agency for Metrological and Technical Supervision (DAMTN) received a notification from France regarding problematic pressure oil separators with the brand BWB-Behalter-WERK. It has been established that the welded seams of the products have defects, leading to a risk of cracks and injuries. However, the risk is assessed as low, as the products have a long lifespan and consumers can replace them free of charge until the end of 2032.
The European Commission announces a new product safety award in 2025.
The European Commission is launching the next edition of its Product Safety Award in 2025. The award aims to recognize innovative business initiatives and research that go beyond the legal requirements for consumer product safety in the EU. The winners will receive prestigious recognition and will improve their reputation in their respective sectors.