The Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL) is a foundation with 25 years of experience in the field of civic rights. Our mission is to improve the legislative framework and the overall environment in Bulgaria so that people can freely associate and actively participate in civic life. Our main priority is the well-being of civil society organizations, which are the driving force […]

2025 was a year that clearly demonstrated why the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law exists and why our role is so important. Despite the dynamic environment, the BCNL remained a stable pillar that brings together, protects, and amplifies the voices of active citizens and organizations. Collective strength as a driving force The main lesson of […]

Sowing fear. Division. Belittling everything that active people in Bulgaria have achieved. On the eve of November 10, when we mark the end of an oppressive era of intimidation, dictatorship, persecution of freedom, and abandonment for the first time in Bulgaria’s democratic development, the National Assembly decided to set up a Temporary Commission to “investigate” […]

People once again proved that democracy is not an abstraction, but a human voice, shared causes, and collective responsibility. At the end of September, Slaveykov Square in Sofia turned into a stage for civil society – a lively, energetic gathering place where more than 70 organizations from across the country showcased the power of association […]

Until August 25th 2025 the Ministry of Justice is conducting a public consultation regarding the future Law on Transparency and Integrity in governance, that aims to regulate the representation of interests (commonly referred to as lobbying) – or in other words, the interaction between public authorities and those that aim to influence political and legal […]

A healthy mix of turbulence,vigour, and opportunities for unity – that is how we would describe 2024 for the civil sector. For us at BCNL, last year was challenging due to changes in the sector that required us to find new approaches through which we could continue to effectively support those close to our hearts […]

Bulgaria: Change in law limits residence permits for non-EU citizens engaged in civil society work On 18 June, the Bulgarian parliament passed an amendment to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, eliminating the possibility for non-EU citizens to obtain long-term residence permits based on their intention to carry out non-profit activities. The amendment is […]

Over 5,000 visually impaired people in Bulgaria are of working age, yet only 550 are currently employed, according to data from the Union of the Blind. At the same time, knowledge of English significantly increases employment opportunities – 90% of visually impaired individuals who speak the language find it easier to secure a job. However, […]

At a special ceremony, we honored the three most impressive business ideas with social value in the LET’S GO 2025 competition. Each of them received funding of 10,000 leva and support for the next step in their development. Meet the new heroes and see how their ideas are changing the communities around us. Read more […]

Bulgaria is full of activists, enthusiastic about volunteering, donating, participating, and generally changing the towns and communities in which they live and work. The stories we heard from them made us hopeful and enthusiastic that by focusing on the regional level: We heard encouraging messages and calls for more active civic participation. There are also […]