Once again, an attempt is being made in Bulgaria to adopt the so-called "Foreign Agents Registration Law". A law that is presented as a tool for "more transparency", but in fact creates a risk of stigmatization, restrictions and pressure on civil society organizations, media, businesses and active people.

 

The truth is that transparency has long been regulated in Bulgarian legislation.

Non-governmental organizations annually submit financial reports, declare their income, are subject to control by the National Revenue Agency, the National Statistical Institute and the Registry Agency, and the legislation already requires disclosure of the beneficial owners and the origin of funds where necessary. Therefore, such a law cannot add „more transparency“. Instead, it creates public labels, insinuations and division, questioning the legitimacy of organizations created by citizens for citizens…

 

Even more worryingly, the proposed texts contain restrictions that could affect the participation of civil society organizations in public life, education and public policies. It is these organizations that work daily with children, the elderly, patients, people with disabilities, volunteers, local communities and institutions. They fill gaps where state systems fail (or do not want) to reach…

 

 

Foundation #ForGood exists precisely because of the power of civic energy. Each renovated pediatric ward under Project #Firefly, every therapeutic communication training, every supported cause happens thanks to partnerships between citizens, businesses, institutions and donors. To question such collaboration is to question the ability of society to solve its problems on its own.

 

Laws that divide society into "ours" and "foreigners" do not make the state stronger. Such attempts weaken trust, limit civic engagement, and create an environment in which fear gradually replaces free public debate.