Minister Petrova Meets with Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty
01 July 2026 News
Minister Velislava Petrova, met with Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria.
The meeting focused on the protection of the rights of Bulgarian citizens abroad, one of Bulgaria’s foremost foreign policy priorities. Particular attention was devoted to cases of discrimination, intolerance and hate speech. Bulgaria’s top diplomat underscored the need for a European-level discussion on measures to counter such manifestations in order to safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.
“Bulgaria remains firmly committed to the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” Minister Petrova said. She also emphasised the importance Bulgaria attaches to its long-standing cooperation with the Council of Europe. She added that, for the current Government, it is essential to draw on the good practices of the Organisation’s member States in order to improve the standard of living of Bulgarian citizens.
Commissioner O’Flaherty’s visit is focused on the situation of older persons living in residential care homes, with similar visits having been conducted in France and Romania. Minister Velislava Petrova highlighted the Government's commitment to significantly improving the system of care for older persons, including through the modernisation of residential care homes for the elderly.
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