# Bulgarian legislative efforts against SLAPP lawsuits

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-legislative-efforts-against-slapp-lawsuits
> Updated: 2026-09-11T08:59:57.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

The Bulgarian Parliament is advancing legislative measures to combat Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), often referred to as “shamar” or “slap-and-shame” cases. 

Initially, the Parliamentary Legal Commission approved a draft bill on its first reading to amend the Civil Procedure Code. Introduced by the Council of Ministers, the proposal aims to protect journalists, activists, and public figures from legal actions intended to silence critical opinions on matters of public interest, such as corruption, health, and the environment. Under the proposed framework, defendants could request the dismissal of claims deemed “manifestly unfounded.” This initiative aligns with European Directive 2024/1069.

In recent legislative developments, the National Assembly passed key amendments to the Civil Procedure Code in its first reading, incorporating requirements from the European “Daphne” Directive. The amendments will introduce a new chapter titled “Proceedings due to the public participation of the defendant.” This allows courts to terminate proceedings at an early stage through a decision on the merits if a claim is found to be unfounded, disproportionate, or intended to exert economic or political pressure.

Furthermore, the new measures restrict the ability to impose security for claims, such as asset freezes, unless convincing written evidence is presented. Representatives from Progressive Bulgaria noted that these changes aim to ensure equality between parties in legal disputes involving public interest issues, protecting the scientific community, human rights defenders, and the media from reputational or economic pressure.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Bulgaria passes measures to combat SLAPP lawsuits

Bulgaria's National Assembly passed first-reading amendments to the Civil Procedure Code to protect journalists and activists from SLAPP lawsuits and intimidation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-passes-measures-to-combat-slapp-lawsuits

### 2026-09-09: Bulgarian Parliament advances consumer protection and anti-SLAPP laws

The Bulgarian Parliament is advancing several key laws, including new consumer protections for financial services, measures to combat SLAPP lawsuits against journalists, and updated air quality regulations.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-parliament-to-discuss-air-cleanliness-and-security-law-updates

### 2026-09-02: Bulgarian Parliament moves to protect media from SLAPP lawsuits

Bulgaria's Legal Commission approved amendments to the Civil Procedure Code to protect journalists and activists from SLAPP lawsuits and unfounded legal actions intended to silence public debate.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-parliament-moves-to-protect-media-from-slapp-lawsuits

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Cite as: Bulgarian legislative efforts against SLAPP lawsuits. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-legislative-efforts-against-slapp-lawsuits