OPINION ON THE DRAFT BILLS AMENDING THE LAW ON PROTECTION OF COMPETITION AND THE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW

TO
THE 52nd NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

COPY TO:
TEMPORARY COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND FINANCE

OPINION ON THE DRAFT BILLS AMENDING THE LAW ON PROTECTION OF COMPETITION AND THE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW

FROM

The "BULGARIAN ENTREPRENEURIAL ASSOCIATION" (BESCO)

DEAR SIRS AND MADAMS,

We hereby submit for your attention an opinion on the draft bills amending the Law on Protection of Competition and the Consumer Protection Law, under reference Nos. 52-654-01-38/11.05.2026 and 52-654-01-36/11.05.2026.

The Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association brings together more than 1,000 companies from dozens of industries. The organisation's core mission is to improve the business environment in Bulgaria through effective policies, the promotion of innovation, and the introduction of modern mechanisms for economic development.

We at the Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association express our support for the efforts of the members of parliament to curb inflation and protect consumers in the context of the complex geopolitical situation.

A first prerequisite for the success of this process is transparency and the inclusion of business and the stakeholders involved in the discussion of the most effective solutions and real results. From our dialogue with entrepreneurs and Bulgarian and foreign investors, we would highlight predictability as a key condition for increasing investment and improving the business environment in Bulgaria.

We believe that a sustainable solution to the problem of inflation runs through a broad discussion on a national strategy for agriculture and the addressing of the structural causes — low domestic production, increased dependence on imports, and the weak competitiveness of Bulgarian producers - which drive up the prices of goods and services.

In the short term, one concrete measure would be the imposition of effective control over the unregulated import of fruit and vegetables through the "Kapitan Andreevo" border checkpoint. This is an important step both for the protection of consumers and legitimate producers and for limiting losses to the budget.

Last but not least, another effective measure is the revision of the eco-fees on electrical appliances. This is an issue on which a number of business organisations raised concerns as early as 2025.

We believe that addressing these systemic challenges would have a longer-term and more sustainable effect on prices and on the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.

We remain ready for a constructive dialogue in the process of developing policies in support of consumers, business, and economic growth.

RESPECTFULLY,
Alexander Nutsov
Executive Director
BESCO – the Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association