The Bulgarian parliament has approved amendments to Bulgaria's laws on citizenship and on Bulgarians abroad.
Previously, the requirement to prove knowledge of the state language applied only to those foreigners who wished to obtain Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation. Through «roots», one could become a Bulgarian citizen without knowing a single word of Bulgarian. Now knowledge of Bulgarian has become a mandatory condition for obtaining citizenship in all cases. The procedure has not yet been determined; it will probably require passing an examination or presenting a diploma, as is the case when obtaining citizenship by naturalisation.
The amendments also concern release from Bulgarian citizenship. It may now no longer be renounced by persons against whom criminal proceedings have been initiated. The prohibition also applies to persons with unpaid financial obligations to the state or to a natural or legal person, if this has been established by an act that has entered into force.
Another change is the possibility of revoking naturalisation in the event of systematic and deliberate damage to the prestige of Bulgaria and its institutions. This refers to statements expressing hatred or to the commission of hostile acts against Bulgaria, Bulgarian citizens or Bulgarians abroad. Thus, for those foreigners who allow themselves to make publicly degrading statements about Bulgaria, obtaining Bulgarian citizenship will become more difficult: following a review, they may be refused recognition of naturalisation.
Certificates will now be issued to the country’s new citizens in a more official and festive setting than before. A ceremony will be held at the Ministry of Justice or at Bulgaria’s diplomatic and consular missions in other countries.
It is proposed to abolish the Advisory Council at the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, established in the spring of 2023.
It is proposed to create a Council for the coordination of policy towards Bulgarians residing abroad. This body is needed to develop recommendations and propose measures for restoring the citizenship of Bulgarians returning to their homeland. It will also deal with synchronising the activities of programmes and projects related to Bulgarian communities and their organisations abroad. The Council’s tasks will also include coordinating the work of Bulgaria’s central government bodies on matters concerning Bulgarians abroad.
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