Legislative changes
News about adopted, proposed, or debated changes in laws, regulations, and legal frameworks.
Government faces ESM ratification and new investments for Sofia and culture
The caretaker cabinet is discussing today the ratification of the ESM Treaty, funding for the Sofia Municipality, amendments to the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code, and the opening of a representation to UNESCO.
Revolution in civil procedure: New rules accelerate court cases in Bulgaria
The Ministry of Justice proposes large-scale changes to the Civil Procedure Code for faster justice. See how timelines, the handling of cases without hearings, and consumer protection are being changed.
Draft Amendments to the Judicial System Act: New Rules for the Election of the Supreme Judicial Council and Judicial Inspectors
The Ministry of Justice proposes amendments to the Judicial System Act, with a focus on transparency and expertise in the election of members of the Supreme Judicial Council and judicial inspectors. The draft provides for the establishment of expert commissions to evaluate candidates and verify their asset declarations.
Amendments to the Ombudsman Act: Screening of Migrants – Key Changes and Challenges
The Ministry of Interior proposes amendments to the Ombudsman Act, assigning the institution the screening of cross-border migration. The changes aim to protect the rights of migrants, especially children and vulnerable persons, through periodic on-site inspections. The bill also includes additional guarantees for compliance with European and international law.
Caretaker Government Proposes Changes in the Fight Against Corruption: Control Over the Chief Prosecutor and a New Body
The caretaker government has undertaken reforms in the fight against corruption. Stricter control over the investigations of the chief prosecutor is envisioned, as well as the creation of a new Anti-Corruption Commission, with expanded powers and operational activities. The changes are part of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
New Law on Combating Corruption: What are the Changes and What Does it Provide For?
The Ministry of Justice foresees the creation of a new, effective body to combat corruption, with the aim of protecting the public interest. The project envisages a five-member commission that will work in two main areas: prevention and investigation of corruption crimes.
Parliament Bans Energy Minister's Actions on BEH Changes
The National Assembly has prohibited the Minister of Energy from taking action to change the structure of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH). The decision was adopted unanimously with 132 votes.
Lobbying Law Passed: What are the New Rules for Interest Representation?
The National Assembly has passed a law on transparency in interest representation. The law introduces a lobbyist register, regulates meetings, and provides for penalties for violators. The goal is to shed light on the processes of interaction with public authorities and to fulfill commitments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). There is criticism related to the distinction between lobbying and advocacy for a public cause.
Commission Adopts Amendments to the Penal Code: Stricter Punishments for Child Abuse and Waste
The parliamentary committee on constitutional and legal affairs has adopted amendments to the Penal Code, including increased penalties for sexual offenses against children, criminalization of illegal waste disposal, and changes to the lobbying law.
MPs Adopt Extension Law for Budget on First Reading
MPs supported on first reading amendments to the extension law for the budget. The law extends the validity of the budget until the adoption of the new budgets for 2026. It provides for the financing of increased expenditures and the possibility for municipalities to incur expenses on the basis of regulatory acts.
Parliament Discusses Extension Law for the Budget: Key Changes
Parliament has begun discussing the extension law for the budget in its first reading. The law extends the budget's validity until the adoption of the regular budget for 2026, to ensure the continuity of budgetary payments. Changes are planned for municipalities and an agreement with the EC regarding defense capabilities.
MPs approved in first reading the Public Transport Act and the introduction of a single ticket
The Parliament adopted in first reading the Public Transport Act, which unites passenger transport and provides for a national scheme, a single transport document and indicators for the quality of the service.
Parliament Discusses Amendments to the Penal Code: Highlights from Today's Session
Five bills amending the Penal Code are being considered in the first reading in parliament. Bills are being discussed on combating waste, protecting children from sexual abuse, overcoming contradictions in legislation, and extending the statute of limitations for crimes against minors. A bill on false statements before a notary public has been rejected.
Taxation Changes: Exemption for Religious Denominations and Accelerated Depreciation for Electric Vehicles
Parliament approved amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Act. These include tax exemptions for income from property of religious denominations, accelerated depreciation for electric vehicles, and tax breaks for research and development activities.
Budget and Finance Committee to Consider Amendments to the Budget Extension Law
The Budget and Finance Committee will discuss amendments to the budget extension law for 2026, submitted by the caretaker government. The amendments provide for funding for salary increases, including indexation and from the growth of the minimum wage, as well as an increase in social payments. It is also proposed that municipalities be able to make expenditures exceeding the previous year's, and that the government be able to conclude loan agreements and state guarantees.