Legislative changes
News about adopted, proposed, or debated changes in laws, regulations, and legal frameworks.
Night work pay to be recalculated in euros from 2026.
From January 1, 2026, pay for night work, academic degrees, and on-call time will be recalculated in euros. This is part of the preparations for the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.
New Rules for Electric Vehicles: Registration and Control
Proposals for amendments to the Road Traffic Act: creation of a register of electric vehicles, a unified registration system, and the possibility of installing devices for traffic light control.
PP-DB Introduce Bill for 100% Machine Voting: What Changes are Planned for the Electoral Code
PP-DB propose 100% machine voting in the upcoming elections. The bill aims to increase transparency, limit manipulation, and facilitate the electoral process.
Imprisonment of up to 5 years for providing social services without a license
The National Assembly adopted amendments to the Penal Code, providing for imprisonment of up to 5 years for providing residential social care services without a license after an administrative penalty. Stricter penalties are introduced for committing the act by a group, with a document with false content, or for the purpose of financial gain.
Parliament approved on second reading amendments to the Family Code for shared parenting
The National Assembly adopted on second reading amendments to the Family Code, which allow the court to rule on the shared exercise of parental rights, while parallel protests "for" and "against" the changes took place in front of the parliament.
Flexible Working Hours for Parents of Children Under 12: Amendments to the Labour Code on Second Reading
Parliament is discussing on second reading amendments to the Labour Code, which allow for flexible working hours for parents of children under 12 throughout the year. Other bills are also on the agenda.
Extension Law for 2026 Adopted: Salary Indexation and Budget Changes
The Parliament adopted in second reading an extension law for 2026, which regulates the collection of revenues and expenses until the adoption of the regular budget. It includes salary indexation in the budgetary sector, changes in laws on social services, local taxes and fees, as well as exemption from capital gains tax on growth markets.
Private Hospitals and Public Procurement: The Bulgarian Hospital Association Against Changes to the Law
The Bulgarian Hospital Association (BHA) opposes the inclusion of private medical institutions within the scope of the Public Procurement Law. They claim that this contradicts the legal framework and will lead to negative consequences for the healthcare system, including delays in the supply of medications. The BHA proposes alternative measures for transparency.
Budget Committee Adopts Extension Law for the 2026 Budget.
The Budget Committee approved the extension of the 2026 budget, submitted by the caretaker government. The law guarantees the functioning of the state and the rights of citizens, introducing order for expenditures and priorities. Emphasis is placed on preserving social payments and the minimum wage.
What is the procedure after the government resigns? Understanding the Constitution
After the government resigns, the president initiates a procedure for assigning mandates to form a new government. If no agreement is reached, a caretaker government is appointed and elections are scheduled.
MPs Approve 2026 Social Security Budget: Key Changes and Reactions
The draft budget for the 2026 Social Security budget was approved on first reading with the support of GERB-SDS, DPS, BSP, ITN and independent MPs. Key highlights: increase in childcare allowance and adherence to the Swiss rule for pensions. The opposition criticizes.
Permanent ban on sturgeon fishing in Bulgaria from 2026.
From January 1, 2026, an indefinite ban on the catch of sturgeon species in the Bulgarian section of the Danube and Black Sea will come into effect. The ban, issued by the Ministry of Environment and Water of Bulgaria, aims to protect the endangered fish and will support scientific projects for their recovery.
The Council of Ministers approved the draft budget for 2026 and updated the fiscal forecast
The government adopted the draft law on the state budget for 2026, in line with the introduction of the euro and the medium-term fiscal-structural plan 2025–2028, and confirmed a deficit of up to 3% of GDP and debt growth.
Agreement on Budget 2026: Tax Cuts and Program Changes
The Finance Minister announced an agreement on the 2026 Budget, including the elimination of the dividend tax increase, SUPTO and social security contributions, as well as changes to the capital program.
Valchev: Changes in the Higher Education Act – Tuition Fees
Minister Valchev discussed the changes in the Higher Education Act, tuition fees and the formula for their determination, as well as the role of state subsidies.