site.btaAmerica for Bulgaria Foundation: Foreign Agents Registration Act Is Harmful to Business and Civil Society

Adopting a Foreign Agents Registration Bill would be harmful to both business and civil society in Bulgaria, said Thursday Nancy Schiller, President of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, in her opening remarks at a conference "Business and Civil Society: Partners for a Better Environment". The event, held at Sofia Tech Park, is organized by the America for Bulgaria Foundation in partnership with CEIBF and a number of other employer, business and civil society organizations.

"My first trip to Bulgaria was in 1992. Life was really hard then. People were trying to navigate what freedom and democracy meant, how their lives would change, what it meant for their children. There was confusion and economic stress. But there was also hope for a brighter future. Doors and borders were open, and the possibilities seemed vast. It is hard to believe that 35 years later there is a danger that the doors will be closed," Schiller said of a bill making it compulsory for foreign-funded organizations to register in Bulgaria.

"The America for Bulgaria Foundation together with organizations from the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and other countries are the target of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. I can assure you that the impact of this bill goes far beyond," she said, noting that such a law would have a negative impact among the whole society.

Schiller cited initiatives to support children's healthcare in Bulgaria and innovations funded by international organizations that would not be possible if such a law existed.

"The Foreign Agents Registration Act is harmful to business, it harms the ability to recruit talented employees," Schiller said, adding that there is no such thing as a healthy business environment without a vibrant civil society.

George Welton, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, commented on the situation in the country through a video statement. According to him, the Foreign Agents Registration Act in Georgia has an authoritarian nature, which has prompted the organization he represents to take a clear stand against the law, although the chamber usually avoids getting involved in political issues.

The adoption of this law has had an impact on Georgia's economy and has led to less foreign investment.

Sirpa Rautio, Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, also joined the forum via videoconference. She said that every country must create a safe environment where civil society can function. 

On the first day of the new National Assembly Vazrazhdane re-submitted the bill on the registration of foreign agents.

Its consideration will start only after the deputies manage to elect a chair - until then Parliament cannot start regular work. 

The bill provides for the withdrawal of civil rights of people and organizations that have received more than BGN 1,000 in foreign funding in a year. Such people will not be allowed to teach, carry out political activity and will be required to label themselves as foreign agents.

According to the sponsors, the aim of the bill is to ensure transparency and protection of Bulgaria's national interests.