site.btaBulgaria Proposes New Rules for Implementing International Sanctions

Bulgaria is set to establish a clearer national framework for implementing international sanctions, under a bill published on Tuesday for public consultation by the Council of Ministers. The bill was prepared by the Foreign Ministry.

The proposed legislation comes against the backdrop of the lack of a comprehensive national framework governing the implementation of international restrictive measures in Bulgaria. It would cover sanctions adopted by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and other international organizations whose decisions are binding on Bulgaria under international treaties.

The aim is to make the implementation of sanctions more predictable and better coordinated, with clear responsibilities for institutions and other parties involved. The bill also sets out rules for exemptions, information sharing and accountability.

Under the proposed system, the sanctions would apply to individuals and companies in Bulgaria, branches and representative offices of foreign companies operating in the country, state and local authorities and their administrations.

Those subject to the rules would be required to provide documents and information needed to enforce international sanctions. Such information could not be withheld on grounds of official, banking, commercial or professional secrecy, or because it constitutes tax, social security or protected personal information.

The bill names 21 competent authorities. The State Agency for National Security (SANS) would oversee compliance with financial sanctions, while the Interior Ministry would be responsible for measures preventing sanctioned individuals from entering or transiting Bulgaria. The Foreign Ministry would handle visa refusals for sanctioned individuals and certain diplomatic clearances for foreign aircraft.

A new interdepartmental council on the adoption and implementation of restrictive measures would also be established under the Council of Ministers. It would be chaired by a deputy prime minister designated by the Prime Minister.

The government says the new framework is intended to strengthen Bulgaria’s ability to implement international sanctions effectively and address existing gaps, including in handling requests for exemptions from restrictive measures.