The National Assembly discussed on 20 March 2008 a Draft Resolution for approval of the Annual Programme for 2008 on matters regarding the European Union.
The programme includes legislative projects that will give the Assembly the possibility to pay a more efficient control on the Government activity in the process of debate and adoption of the European Union’s legislative documents.
National Assembly considered on second reading amendments in the Economic and Social Council Act. The Bill foresees for the Council to serve as a permanent institutional tool for social and civic dialogue, to provide consultations and advice to the Bulgarian President, the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers on one side and the civil society partners on the other. The Council’s main task is to reinforce the principles of democracy and direct participation of the society. In this respect the ES Council has to apply the experience of the European Economic and Social Committee and other International and National Organizations with comparable activity in maintaining relations with the latter.
The changes provide opportunities for the Council to launch debates and consultations between representatives of the legislative and executive branch and the civil partners on issues of big social and economic importance.
MPs approved on first reading two amending Bills on The Free Duty Commerce and The Electronic Communications Act.
On first reading the Assembly approved as well the amendments in The Civil Code Act, submitted by the Council of Ministers, on second reading amendments in The Fisheries and Aquacultures Act, The Measures Against Money Laundering Act and The Export Control of Arms, Products and Technologies with possible Double Usage, Ratification Bills proposed by the Council of Ministers on two Treaties with India and amendments in The Classified Information Act, concerning the State Agency for National Security.