Parliament Wednesday adopted at second reading amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) introducing requirements from a European directive on protection of individuals who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings. The changes are aimed at shielding journalists, media, and civil society activists from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).
The bill creates a special chapter in the CCP concerning proceedings arising from the public participation of the defendant. The rules of this chapter will apply to any civil or commercial case brought because of the defendant’s public participation.
The rules will also apply to pending proceedings, as well as to cases before the appellate court. In cases initiated before these amendments enter into force, where the first hearing has already taken place, the defendant may request the application of the new rules until the end of the trial.
A procedural option is introduced for the early dismissal of manifestly unfounded claims, as well as additional special measures to protect the defendant where there is inequality between the parties, excessive or unjustified claim amounts, multiple or coordinated proceedings, intimidation and harassment, abuse of procedural rights, forum shopping, and actions aimed at discrediting the defendant. The court will be able to collect evidence ex officio, and non-profit organizations, professional and trade unions may submit evidence in support of the defendant.
To limit economic pressure on the defendant, the amendments stipulate that security for the claim may not be imposed without convincing written evidence, while also allowing the defendant to request security for reasonably expected legal costs. Lawyers may provide free legal assistance and defence to defendants in such proceedings.
Aleksandra Sterkova of Democratic Bulgaria (DB) said that the changes guarantee that the voices of investigative journalists will not be silenced. She thanked her colleagues for supporting DB’s proposals between the first and second readings, which strengthen the defendant’s protection in the proceedings.
Petar Petrov of Vazrazhdane said that the scope of these rules regarding pending cases is too broad and will create problems in court practice.
Daniela Nikolova-Karsheva of Progressive Bulgaria said that the directive provides for protection in cross-border cases, but it also allows for protection at the national level.
A proposal by Velislav Velichkov of Continue the Change that the new chapter’s rules should apply only at first instance in ongoing cases was rejected.
Ivan Vachev of Progressive Bulgaria said that it is not possible for the same case to be considered under different rules at first instance and on appeal.
Parliament Adopts Second-Reading Amendments to Code of Civil Procedure to Protect Journalists, Civil Society Activists from SLAPPs 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-09-30 11:22:22
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BULGARIA NEWS – NEWS AGENCY 2009–2026 2026-09-30 11:22:22
