Bulgaria prepares new laws to combat juvenile crime

The Bulgarian government is preparing legislative and organizational reforms to combat rising juvenile crime and aggression. Following a series of recent incidents, including a fatal assault in Plovdiv, the Council of Ministers met to discuss strengthening state intervention and unifying institutional efforts.

Key proposals include amending the Law on Combating Anti-Social Behavior of Minors and Juveniles, which has not seen significant updates since 1958 and is considered outdated for modern social realities. Officials noted that inconsistent policies and a lack of effective control have contributed to a sense of impunity.

Immediate measures include increased monitoring by the Ministry of Interior for illegal online content that promotes violence, as well as stricter penalties for the distribution of drugs and alcohol near schools. Additionally, the government plans to extend the National Program for the Prevention of Violence and Abuse of Children through 2030 and enhance coordination between schools, parents, and state authorities to identify risky behavior early.