Spreading false information about the banking system to become criminal offence with prison under draft Criminal Code

A new criminal offence that punishes the dissemination of false information endangering the stability of the banking and financial system with prison is included in draft amendments to the Criminal Code which have been forwarded to the European Commission.

Key elements of the draft

The proposal envisages criminal liability for individuals who, “abusing their official or social position and reputation,” publish inaccurate information through false statements or documents that threaten the stability of the banking system. The text delivered to EU authorities frames the measure as aimed at protecting financial stability from deliberately misleading public communications.

According to an announcement by VMRO-DPMNE MP Dragana Bojkovska, the bill is expected to be published on the Unique National Electronic Register of Regulations (ENER) the following day, which would open it for review and public debate.

Commenting on the package, Kaja Shukova said the new changes also contain a remark about the Criminal Code amendments from January 2026 on abuse of official position, noting that those earlier amendments did not adequately respond to changes introduced by the 2023 law.

Publication on ENER is intended to allow citizens, experts and interest groups to read the proposed text and submit comments, criticisms and proposals before the measures proceed further in the legislative process.

The European Commission has previously expressed concerns about interference by government institutions in the work of the judiciary and stressed the need for a more effective fight against corruption; the draft Criminal Code changes appear to be presented in that broader context.

Photo: press material from the event