The Bulgarian National Assembly approved on first reading the draft for ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, known as CETA. 110 MPs voted in favor, 98 MPs were against and 7 MPs abstained. CETA envisages abolition of customs duties, simplification of customs rules and procedures. The Parliamentary groups of the United Patriots and the Bulgarian Socialist Party voted against. The risk of penetration of genetically modified products on the market and possible restriction on national sovereignty were among the arguments of the two parliamentary groups to vote against CETA. Podkrepa Confederation of Labor called on the Bulgarian MPs to vote against CETA, because in their view, this agreement will harm small and medium-sized business in Bulgaria. If the draft for the ratification of CETA is approved on second reading, the agreement will enter into force.
On Friday, the National Assembly will vote on a no-confidence motion against the cabinet of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov over ''failures in environmental and water policy''. The fourth no-confidence motion against the current government was tabled..
The Speaker of the Parliament of Albania, Elisa Spiropali, has arrived in Bulgaria for an official visit. The two-day visit is at the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Natalia Kiselova . Elisa Spiropali was welcomed at the airport by the..
Tuition fees at state universities should not exceed 75% of the expenses for the training. This was what MPs decided with amendments to the Higher Education Act adopted on Wednesday at first reading. It is expected that after the..
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