Description
The project addresses the inadequate legal and financial framework regulating non-profit legal entities (NLE) in Bulgaria. The project aims at lifting some of the administrative burden for NGOs and raising their transparency by drafting amendments to the existing framework. First, the legal and strategic framework since 2001 on the structure, registration and work of NGOs will be studied. Second, an ex-post impact assessment of the state financing mechanisms pre and post 1989 will be studied. Third, a functional analysis of the Central Registry of NLEs will be carried out. Fourth, the attitude of the state, the public and NGOs to transparency and accountability of NGOs will be studied. Finally, a package of measure to improve the legal framework and financing of NGOs will be drafted, discussed with NGOs and the other stakeholders (the authorities, academia, media) and submitted to the Parliament. The project will benefit the NGO and the public administration.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the inadequate legal and financial framework regulating non-profit legal entities (NLE) in Bulgaria. The project promoter conducted a study of the legislative and strategic framework on the structure, registration and activity of NGOs in Bulgaria since 2001. A follow-up assessment of the impact of the mechanisms for funding NGOs from the state budget applied in Bulgaria in the period since 1989 until present was accomplished. Furthermore a functional analysis of the work of the Central Registry of Non-profit Legal Entities working in public interest with the Ministry of Justice was made and a sociological study entitled “What does an NGO mean today – non-transparent or nongovernmental organizations?” was conducted. Measures to improve the legislative framework and funding from the state budget of NGOs were elaborated and were presented to more than 1000 NGO representatives. The important evidence and analysis gathered under the project and the personal position and involvement of the experts contributed significantly to the elaboration and the adoption of the draft act amending the Non-profit Legal Entities Act (NLEA). The change in the legislative framework on NGOs related to the transfer of their registration from the court to the administration is a major step to raise their transparency, legitimacy and efficiency. The main beneficiaries were NGOs, decision-makers, civil servants from the public administration and the media. The know-how materials, the experience and expertise gathered under the project will continue to serve as tools for future advocacy actions until the final adoption of the act.
Summary of bilateral results