The adoption of the Law on Transparency in the Representation of Interests in Bulgaria has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding its potential impact on civic space. While the law aims to regulate lobbying and increase transparency, concerns focus on its rushed adoption and broad scope, which does not clearly distinguish between public interest advocacy and private lobbying. A key element is the introduction of a mandatory Transparency Register for certain “interest representatives,” requiring disclosure of activities, funding, and contacts with public authorities. Civil society actors warn that these registration and reporting requirements may impose disproportionate administrative burdens and risk discouraging legitimate advocacy, especially as public interest organisations are not exempt. At the same time, loopholes, such as exemptions for legal professionals and employers’ organisations may enable circumvention, raising questions about the law’s effectiveness and its impact on civic freedoms. Read more here.
Source: BCNL
