site.btaParliament to Debate Consumer Protection, Judicial Reform Bills

The National Assembly is set to debate at first reading a bill amending the Consumer Protection Act, submitted by MPs from Progressive Bulgaria, according to its Thursday’s agenda.

The draft legislation transfers several provisions from the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria Act into the Consumer Protection Act and extends their validity by one year beyond the originally planned deadline. The provisions prohibit increases in the prices of goods and services offered to consumers when such increases are not economically justified.

The procedure and criteria by which the Consumer Protection Commission will determine whether price increases are justified, as well as the comparable transition period, will be established through a methodology to be adopted by the Council of Ministers within three months.

The bill also introduces an obligation for large retailers of food products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, non-food goods, and pharmaceuticals with annual turnover exceeding EUR 5,112,919 to publish and provide daily pricing information in a machine-readable format.

The proposed legislation doubles the fines for unjustified price increases. Individuals found guilty would face penalties ranging from EUR 1,000 to EUR 10,000, while sole traders and legal entities could face financial sanctions between EUR 5,000 and EUR 100,000.

The amendments are expected to enter into force on August 9, 2026, and remain applicable until August 9, 2027.

Also on the plenary agenda are first-reading debates on three bills amending the Judicial System Act, submitted by Progressive Bulgaria, Democratic Bulgaria, and Continue the Change.

The proposed amendments concern the criteria for selecting members of judicial governing bodies and limiting the powers of an expired-term Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to make staff decisions, including appointments and promotions. The bill proposed by Progressive Bulgaria stipulates that such powers should only be exercised exceptionally and when necessary to ensure the normal functioning of the judicial system.

Progressive Bulgaria is also proposing measures to limit the concentration of influence within the judiciary, including restrictions preventing individuals who have held senior leadership positions from being immediately elected as members of the Supreme Judicial Council.