22.06.2026
On June 16, the event “Due Diligence in Bulgaria: Roadmap and Institutional Implementation” was held, jointly organized by the Bulgarian Foundation for Business and Human Rights, ESG Lab at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
The forum brought together representatives of government institutions, businesses, academia, and civil society to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with introducing due diligence processes in Bulgaria in the context of European requirements and international standards on business and human rights.
A key highlight of the program was the presentation of the newly developed Due Diligence Roadmap for Bulgaria, prepared by the teams of the Bulgarian Foundation for Business and Human Rights and ESG Lab at FEBA. The document outlines practical guidance and potential steps for implementing due diligence at the national, sectoral, and corporate levels.
During the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of coordinated action among institutions, businesses, and society to ensure the successful introduction of due diligence mechanisms. Among the forum’s main conclusions were the need to develop a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, actively engage all relevant stakeholders, and promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
“We are not late. If we take the right and decisive steps now, we can prepare Bulgaria in time for the effective implementation of due diligence”, emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Stefanova, Head of ESG Lab at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
Other participants in the panel discussion included Boyko Takov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency and Head of Bulgaria’s National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct; Rumen Donev from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy; and Antoaneta Radeva from the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.
The event reaffirmed the role of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration as an active contributor to the development of expertise and dialogue on sustainable management, responsible business conduct, and the protection of human rights. Through the work of ESG Lab, the Faculty continues to foster knowledge, partnerships, and practical solutions that support the sustainable development of business in Bulgaria.