site.btaParliament Approves Lobbying Activities Act at First Reading

Parliament approved at first reading a bill on transparency and integrity in governance, known as the Lobbying Activities Act, the Government press service said here Wednesday.

The bill, introduced by former justice minister Georgi Georgiev of GERB-UDF and a group of MPs, passed with 95 votes in favour, 30 against, and 29 abstentions. It was backed by GERB-UDF, Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria, BSP-United Left, and the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms. MRF-New Beginning and three independent MPs voted against. Abstentions came from one MP of Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria, one from BSP-United Left, MPs from There Is Such a People, Velichie and MECh, and one independent lawmaker. Vazrazhdane did not take part in the vote. 

The law introduces the term “representation of interests” to avoid the negative connotations associated with lobbying. According to the sponsors, establishing a legal framework to regulate lobbying activities has been included as a measure in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Stage IV). It was repeatedly mentioned in European Commission reports on the rule of law, in the Fifth Round Evaluation Report by the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe, and is a commitment undertaken by Bulgaria in the process of accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The bill introduces the term "representation of interests" in place of "lobbying" to avoid the latter’s negative connotations. Its sponsors say a legal framework for regulating lobbying is stipulated in Stage IV of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, has been repeatedly recommended in European Commission rule-of-law reports and in the Council of Europe anti-corruption body GRECO’s Fifth Round Evaluation Report, and forms part of Bulgaria’s commitments in its accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The bill aims to ensure transparency, equal access, and a regulated procedure for all interested natural and legal persons, representatives of interests, to express opinions and influence the drafting of legal acts and other documents shaping the main directions of public development. Representation of interests is to be conducted according to the principles of openness, transparency, accountability, good faith, and integrity, with each principle clearly defined. The scope of authorities and persons for such representation is determined by their powers to prepare, issue, or adopt legal acts, administrative acts, strategic plans, programs, and other national or EU-level documents, as well as any other acts prescribed by law.

The bill seeks to ensure transparency, equal access, and a regulated process through which all interested natural and legal persons, acting as representatives of interests, may express their views and influence the drafting of legal acts and other documents that shape the main directions of public development. The representation of interests is to be carried out in accordance with the principles of openness, transparency, accountability, good faith, and integrity, each of which is clearly defined. The authorities and persons covered by such representation are determined by their powers to prepare, issue, or adopt legal acts, administrative acts, strategic plans, programs, and other documents at the national or EU level, as well as any other acts prescribed by law.

On behalf of the sponsors, Georgiev explained that the bill provides for a register maintained by the Bulgarian National Audit Office, in which representatives of interests may voluntarily enroll when they are ready. He stressed that efforts to regulate lobbying have been underway for a quarter of a century and that the time has come to bring them to a close. “We should not give in to pre-election passions and risk depriving the state budget of a substantial amount,” he said. Georgiev also clarified that the term “representative of interests” is synonymous with lobbying and noted that a one-year grace period will be provided during which no sanctions will be imposed.

GERB-UDF proposed that the period between the first and second readings be set at three days, which was initially approved. However, TISP Floor Leader Toshko Yordanov requested a revote on the timeframe, subject to a quorum check. The electronic board showed that there was no quorum, and a recess was called. After the break, quorum was still not established, and National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan adjourned the plenary sitting.