A new wave of streamlined EU ESG rules is expected to ease compliance burdens for Bulgarian companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while helping improve long-term corporate sustainability and transparency. According to a fresh report by Sofia-based business intelligence provider SeeNext, the reforms mark a new stage of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) maturity in Bulgaria.

The SeeNext study, titled ESG and Sustainability in Bulgaria: Walking the Talk on S&G Impact, highlights that while environmental goals have largely driven corporate action so far, the social governance aspects, such as workplace inclusion and ethical conduct, are gaining attention thanks to updated EU legislation.

At the heart of this shift is the Omnibus simplification package, which significantly narrows the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) scope. The new rules will now apply only to organizations with more than 1,000 employees, reducing the number of firms required to report by around 80%. Moreover, the deadline for these disclosures has been extended by two years for companies not yet covered by the directive.

The revised package also introduces voluntary reporting options for SMEs and removes sector-specific European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), further easing compliance requirements. This flexibility could support improved ESG transparency and reduce administrative hurdles, the study suggests.

Despite inconsistent reporting across the country, some Bulgarian companies are already making visible efforts in areas such as employee well-being, inclusive workplace culture, and gender diversity. Bulgaria even outperforms the EU average in female leadership, with 32% of businesses having over 40% women in senior roles.

The report also notes that while Bulgaria ranks low in adult participation in lifelong learning, over 40% of companies offer training focused on technical or expert-level skills. Large firms tend to invest more in infrastructure and community programs. For example, mining and heavy industries prioritize general education and local development, whereas sectors like ICT and telecom concentrate on boosting digital and STEM skills.

However, a disconnect remains between what companies report and what they do, especially concerning human rights, anti-corruption, and enforcement standards, which are often assumed rather than demonstrated.

The report highlights several challenges organizations face, including limited ESG expertise, vague compliance guidelines, and the risk of social washing, the practice of exaggerating social responsibility efforts. Still, incentives like the CSRD and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), social procurement policies, and reputational benefits are motivating many firms to improve.

Ultimately, the streamlined ESG framework is expected to help Bulgarian firms, particularly SMEs, build trust, enhance brand value, and stay competitive in both local and EU markets. As Bulgaria steps up its ESG game, the new EU rules may prove to be a welcome catalyst for meaningful and measurable change.