In 2025, the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (CPD) initiated 518 proceedings concerning protection against discrimination, a substantial increase compared to the 179 proceedings recorded in 2024, CPD Chair Elka Bozhova stated in Montana. The Commission subsequently issued decisions in 418 proceedings. Bozhova noted that the most frequent complaints and alerts received by the CPD related to discrimination within the right to work.
A significant portion of these cases involved allegations that employers were failing to comply with established collective labor agreements. Furthermore, reports concerning hate speech disseminated through televised and media statements by politicians were also documented. Addressing physical barriers, the Montana Region undertook numerous inspections of publicly significant buildings under the “Accessible Bulgaria” campaign.
In 2025 alone, 62 proceedings were initiated regarding the accessible architectural environment. The Chair reported that in the majority of these instances, building owners have since implemented measures to improve access for individuals with disabilities who previously faced considerable difficulty reaching these structures. To enhance local capacity for protection, a three-day professional development seminar is currently taking place in Montana.
CPD lecturers are training civil servants from the town and the region. The training aims to equip these officials to recognize instances of discrimination and properly direct individuals to the CPD representation service. As part of the curriculum, trainees are taking on the roles of experts, practicing the decision-making process regarding whether specific cases indeed constitute discrimination.
Topics: #discrimination #proceedings #protection
The increase in reported proceedings from 2024 to 2025 is quite substantial.
What factors might account for the significant increase in discrimination proceedings reported by the CPD?