Source: ZZLPSPOIN_20-10-2023_En.pdf
Amendments to Bulgaria’s whistleblower law expand protections to job applicants and remove time limits on reporting.
Bulgaria has passed significant amendments to its whistleblower legislation, enhancing the scope of protection. Changes include the removal of the two-year limit for submitting reports and the inclusion of job applicants under protective provisions.
Key Highlights:
- Protection now covers job applicants and contract candidates.
- The two-year time limit for whistleblower reports has been removed.
- Oral reports must now be recorded and stored, improving transparency.
Maria Pavlova, Whistleblower Protection Focal Point at Transparency International Bulgaria said:
“May 2025 marked 2 years since the whistleblower protection legislation came into force in Bulgaria. While the legal framework has somewhat evolved through 4 amendments so far, implementation remains fragile. Transparency International Bulgaria has consistently raised the alarm on key issues regarding the practical implementation of the whistleblowers’ protection framework, particularly on issues related to identity safeguards, timely and effective support and protection measures and overall clarity of the procedures. Our concerns were recently confirmed by the Ombudsman’s audit of the activities of the Personal Data Protection Commission as a Central Authority, highlighting the same challenges and the need for further refinement of institutional practices to ensure full alignment with the spirit and standards of the EU Directive.”
Bulgaria initially adopted its whistleblower law in January 2023 to transpose the EU Directive (Directive 2019/1937). These October amendments reflect an ongoing process to align with EU standards.
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