Representatives of state institutions, parliament, regulatory authorities, businesses, digital work platforms and academia gathered on September 17, 2026 in Sofia at a roundtable on the topic "The Future of Platform Work in Bulgaria: Ensuring Flexibility, Protection and Innovation" , jointly organized by the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) and the Bulgarian E- Commerce Association (BEA).
The event provided a platform for an open and constructive discussion on the implementation of the Platform Work Directive (PWD) in Bulgaria and its implications for workers, digital platforms, businesses, regulators and the economy as a whole.
Among the participants were representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the Executive Agency "General Labor Inspectorate", the National Institute for Social Security (NIS), the National Revenue Agency (NRA), members of parliamentary committees, experts from academia, business representatives and leading companies from the platform economy.
The discussion was opened by representatives of BIA and BEA and supported by the presentation of a new survey prepared by Ipsos , which provides insight into public attitudes towards working through platforms and the expectations of people working through digital platforms.
Main conclusions from the study in Bulgaria:
- 92% of respondents support the idea that people participating in the labor market should have control over when and how much they work;
- 61% believe that delivery platforms support local businesses, with 82% of users discovering new local merchants through them;
- 70% support maintaining access to flexible employment through platforms;
- 57% indicate that delivery platforms improve their daily lives by saving time, providing convenience, or facilitating access to goods and services.
During the discussion, participants exchanged views on a number of key issues related to the implementation of the new European framework, including:
- The practical implications of the Directive for workers, platforms and regulators;
- The presumption of the existence of an employment relationship and the need for legal certainty;
- The balance between worker protection and flexibility;
- The impact on innovation, entrepreneurship and competitiveness of the digital economy;
- The role of algorithmic governance and transparency requirements;
- Experience gained from implementation efforts in other European countries;
- Expected effects on SMEs, consumers and labor market participation.
Participants reached broad agreement on the importance of balanced enforcement that protects workers' rights while preserving the flexibility and innovation that have contributed to the development of the platform economy.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of providing clear guidance to stakeholders, ensuring legal certainty and monitoring the economic and social consequences of the new framework during the implementation period.
Three specific conclusions from the discussion:
- Need for legal certainty.
- Maintaining flexibility for workers.
- Monitoring the economic impact on SMEs.
As a follow-up to the event, the organizers will prepare a summary document entitled "Platform Work in Bulgaria: Stakeholders' Views on the Implementation of the Platform Work Directive (2026–2027)" , which will highlight the main challenges in implementation, areas requiring clarification, good practices from other European countries, as well as the recommendations formulated during the discussion.
