Media Freedom in Bulgaria is till a big issue

Bulgaria continues to lag in key aspects related to media freedom and transparency in the media environment, despite a declared commitment to reforms in this area. This is stated in the latest European Commission Rule of Law Report for 2025, published on 8 July.

According to Brussels, political and economic influence over the media in the country remains a serious problem. The appointment of a new Director General of the Bulgarian National Television is being delayed, and efforts to strengthen the independence of public service media are being blocked by a lack of political will. Although several registers exist, the implementation of media ownership disclosure obligations remains limited, the report notes. Such opacity creates conditions for hidden dependencies and the concentration of influence in a small number of players - a problem that has been pointed out for years by Bulgarian and international organizations.

The report acknowledges progress in transparency in the distribution of state advertising, especially in cases where it is carried out through intermediaries (e.g. media agencies). But at the same time, the Commission warns that there are risks that this funding could be used as a tool for influence, especially in the absence of clear rules and effective controls. “Journalists face increasing challenges in their work,” the European Commission states. Along with limited access to information in some cases, the report also highlights the risks of pressure and threats against journalists, which undermine freedom of expression and threaten investigative journalism. Despite some positive steps – such as improving access to public information – the main structural problems in the sector remain.