MPs Adopt Amendments to the Maritime Spaces Act

Tension in the parliamentary chamber today, after deputies approved at a second reading key changes to the Law on Marine Spaces, Inland Waterways, and Ports of the Republic of Bulgaria. The bill, which sparked fierce debates, was adopted despite strong opposition from "We Continue the Change," who labeled it as lobbying and dangerous to state interests.

From the rostrum of the National Assembly, MP Stela Nikolova of "We Continue the Change" stated that her party would not support the proposed amendments. She sharply criticized the approach of the government, claiming that the law regulates "a private case once again." According to Nikolova, some of the proposed texts carry the risk of creating a "fragmented port infrastructure," which would have long-term negative consequences for the country. She called on her colleagues for a more "statesmanlike" mindset and urged them to consider "how we act and not make legislative changes for private cases."

In defense of the bill, Andrey Runchev of GERB-SDS emphasized that his parliamentary group would support it. He explained that specific proposals were made and accepted at the meeting of the Committee on Transport and Communications, which, in his words, led to an improvement of the legal text.

New Provisions and Concessions in Environmental Requirements

One of the most significant changes in the adopted law is related to dredging activities. The text replaces the previous phrasing "earth masses and bottom sediments" with the more specific "dredging masses." From now on, the disposal of these materials in the marine spaces of Bulgaria will be allowed only in areas determined by an order from the director of the respective river basin directorate, and only after coordination with the Minister of Transport and Communications. The conditions and procedure for this, as well as the sustainable management and control of the process, will be regulated by an additional ordinance, which will be issued by the Minister of Transport in cooperation with the Minister of Environment and Water.

A particularly concerning aspect of the new changes is the significant easing of procedures for investors. According to the adopted text, the applicant in the process of reviewing and approving a general plan for a public transport port will no longer be required to provide documents certifying compliance with the procedures under the Environmental Protection Act and the Biological Diversity Act. Instead, it will be sufficient to only state the number, date of issue, and the issuing body of the respective individual administrative act. This change raises serious questions about environmental protection and its potential endangerment by large-scale infrastructure projects.

Public Register and Conditions for Foreign Operators

The legislative reform provides for the creation of a public register for port operators. It will be maintained under conditions and according to a procedure determined by an ordinance of the Minister of Transport and Communications, and registration in it is a mandatory condition for providing port services.

Deputies also voted on special requirements for companies from other European Union member states that wish to operate in Bulgarian territory. Applicants with a registered office in the EU will have to prove in writing that they are traders with a registered office in the respective country, that they are not in liquidation or insolvency proceedings, nor in a similar procedure, and that they have no debts for taxes or social security contributions according to the legislation of the country in which they are established.

These amendments come into force immediately and will determine the development of Bulgaria's port infrastructure in the coming years.