On 15 August 2023, the changes to the rules for business trips and specializations abroad were published in the "State Gazette" of Bulgaria, which the Council of Ministers adopted by Decree No. 110 as of 10 August 2023.
The Ordinance on business trips and specializations abroad was adopted by Decree No. 115 of the Council of Ministers in 2004. It determines the persons that can send employees abroad, what documents are required, how per diem and accommodation allowances are determined, how expenses are accounted for and how the results are monitored.
The Ordinance has been amended and supplemented several times over the years to reflect changes in the economic environment, exchange rates, inflation and other factors. The latest legislative amendments provide for:
- The order for a business trip or specialization can also be created as an electronic document, in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 910/2014 and the Law on electronic documents and electronic authentication services. This facilitates the process of documentation preparation and approval, as well as its archiving and access.
- The Permanent Secretary of Defense has been added as a person who can second or specialize officials abroad, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Bulgarian Army has been replaced by the Chief of Defense. This reflects the changes in the structure of the Ministry of Defense and the Bulgarian Army.
- The amount of travel allowance for employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other persons permanently working abroad may not exceed double the minimum individual rate for the relevant position specified in Annex No. 3b, respectively in Annex No. 3c to Decree No. 110 as of 10 August 2023. This limits the maximum possible amount that these persons can receive for business trips or specializations in other countries.
- A new article is introduced (Art. 31a), which regulates travel allowances for the personnel of military vessels sailing at sea outside the territory of the country. These persons receive travel money per day according to the individual rates specified in Annex No. 3d. to Decree No. 110 of 10 August 2023. The Minister of Defense may set higher rates, depending on the working conditions, but not more than three times the minimum individual rate for the relevant category.
- The terminology in Art. 32, relating to postings and specializations of Air Force and Navy personnel was changed. With the amendment of the referred to provision (Art. 32), it is specified that this article does not refer to the personnel of military vessels sailing at sea outside the territory of the country
These changes aim to update and optimize the rules for business trips and specializations abroad, to unify and harmonize the conditions for different categories of employees and to take into account the specifics of the work of certain types of personnel. They entered into force from the date of their promulgation in the State Gazette, i.e. from 15.08.2023.