Changes to the Law on Gender Equality: New Requirements for Public Companies

On September 25, 2026, the Law on Amendments and Additions to the Law on Gender Equality was published in the State Gazette, adopted by the National Assembly on September 17, 2026. The main aim of these amendments is to improve gender balance in the boards of public companies, as a measure to promote equality and non-discrimination. This legislative change aligns with Directive (EU) 2022/2381 and introduces specific obligations and requirements for public companies in Bulgaria. The law focuses on enhancing the representation of the underrepresented gender and mandates reporting to the European Commission.

What changes

The main change in the law targets public companies, which must ensure that at least 33% of their board members are from the underrepresented gender. To achieve this goal, companies must align their selection processes, compare professional qualifications fairly, and give precedence to equally qualified candidates from the underrepresented gender. Moreover, companies are required to publish annual reports containing progress information towards these goals and coordinate with the European Commission.

Who is affected

The law primarily affects public companies that are not micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises. These companies must introduce measures for gender balance in their management and supervisory boards. Additionally, the Financial Supervision Commission is tasked with preparing and publishing a list of companies that have met the gender balance objective.

Dates and deadlines

The law takes effect on September 25, 2026. Public companies must start preparing reports for the fiscal year 2026 by 2027. Details about the timelines for reporting and compliance require further review in the original law.

Practical next steps

Public companies are advised to begin assessing their current board structures and identify potential areas for change. They should develop clear and fair selection procedures that prioritize candidates from the underrepresented gender. Additionally, they need to prepare detailed reports on their progress, to be published and sent to the European Commission. Coordination with external consultants or legal advisors, especially regarding compliance with new requirements, is also recommended.

What to check for your situation

The new legal requirements do not impose changes on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The main focus of the law is on large public companies, which must reassess their board composition and make necessary adjustments in their selection methodologies.