Bulgaria opens public consultation on new international protection law which addresses integration

The Bulgarian Council of Ministers published for public consultation a Draft Law on International Protection, marking a fundamental reform of the national asylum framework. The draft law transposes key provisions of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Stakeholders may submit commentsuntil 25 February 2026.

A dedicated chapter of the draft law addresses integration measures for persons granted refugee or subsidiary protection status. The law enables the adoption of sectoral integration programmes through a secondary legislative act coordinated by relevant ministries, including education, labour and social policy, culture, and youth and sports. These programmes are based on voluntary participation, with accompanying incentives and alternative mechanisms, and explicitly mentions municipal involvement, allowing local authorities to implement integration programmes and coordinate with the State Agency for Refugees.