The Economic and Social Council of Bulgaria has voiced disapproval of a bill presented by the Vazrazhdane party in the National Assembly related to the registration of foreign agents. In a resolution, the Council condemned the proposals contained in the bill as being discriminatory, raising issues about media independence, freedom of expression, as well as potentially conflicting with the Constitution and human rights principles. Specifically, the Council highlighted the requirement for organizations to report any financial receipts exceeding BGN 1,000 from foreign sources, warning that this could subject organizations to ongoing scrutiny and penalties which may restrict their operations.
Furthermore, the Council raised concerns about the provision in the bill that mandates so-called foreign agents to prominently display this status on all their published materials. Members of the Council argued that such a requirement could hark back to historical practices of labeling and discriminating against certain groups, leading to stigmatization of organizations and individuals engaged in collaborations with international partners. This labeling could create a negative perception around these organizations and individuals, potentially hindering their work and causing reputational damage. Additionally, the Council cautioned that these measures could deter foreign investors from engaging in business activities in Bulgaria due to the perceived constraints and restrictions that may come with the proposed regulations.