20/03/2024 The Executive Environment Agency will perform the functions of a competent authority on the functioning of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the National[...]

20/03/2024

The Executive Environment Agency will perform the functions of a competent authority on the functioning of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. This was decided by the National Assembly, which adopted at second reading amendments to the Climate Change Mitigation Act. The amendments are submitted by the MPs Stanislav Anastasov (MRF), Mladen Shishkov (GERB-UDF) and Tatyana Sultanova (We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria).

The import of goods covered by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is to be carried out according to an European regulation. In order to obtain the status of an approved declarant under this mechanism, the importer/indirect customs representative is to submit an application to the Executive Director of the Executive Environment Agency, who will approve the application within 14 days, stipulate the adopted provisions.

According to the European regulation, the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism provides for a carbon charge at the border of imports of certain products - steel, iron, cement, electricity, artificial fertilizers, aluminium, hydrogen and other derivatives thereof, originating from third countries, in the form of purchase of emission certificates.

Parliament decided to create a Council for Coordination of Policies for Bulgarians Abroad. The National Assembly adopted amendments to the Bulgarians Resident Outside the Republic of Bulgaria Act The amendments were tabled by the Council of Ministers.

It is envisaged that the Council will help resolve issues of coordination nature related to the preservation and dissemination of the Bulgarian language and culture among Bulgarian communities abroad, including the preservation of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage. It will issue guidelines and recommend actions for the reintegration of Bulgarian citizens returning to the country, will protect the rights and interests of Bulgarians abroad, will synchronize the activities of programmes and projects aimed at Bulgarian communities and their organizations outside the country, and will coordinate the work of the central government authorities in conducting the policy related to Bulgarians outside the country.

The National Assembly adopted at second reading amendments to the Law on Recognition of Professional Qualifications, submitted by the Council of Ministers. Parliament approved at first reading amendments to the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code, the Law on Ownership and Use of Agricultural Lands and the Law on the Commercial Register and the Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities.