Transparency International Bulgaria initiated a discussion on the impact of the anti-corruption directive proposed by the European Commission, which took place on July 2, 2025, and was kindly hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria.
Although the directive aims to create a more fair and transparent environment, the business community in Bulgaria is expressing growing concern that the new requirements could lead to severe economic consequences, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The meeting was hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Business Integrity Club. The participants shared not just opinions, but deep concerns linked to:
- An unbearable administrative and financial burden on small and medium-sized businesses, which have neither the capacity nor the resources to build complex compliance systems;
- Creating artificial inequality, in which large corporations will adapt easily and emerge virtually unscathed, while small businesses will be squeezed by the new rules;
- A rise in insurance costs and liability risk premiums, which will cause investors and management to take a step back and will directly impact competitiveness;
- Potential job losses, restrictions on entrepreneurship, and a decline in economic activity—at a time when stability is critical.
The conclusion is clear—although the directive has fundamentally sound objectives, its implementation carries the risk of “institutionalizing inequality” and causing economic paralysis for small businesses.
The participants in the meeting urged that a balance be struck as a matter of urgency between the need for integrity and the actual capabilities of the business community. Specific steps were outlined—drafting an official statement, engaging in active dialogue with the government, and exchanging information to prepare for the new reality.
The Business Integrity Club remains at the forefront—not only in upholding integrity, but also in defending sustainable development and the viability of the Bulgarian economy.