site.btaDeputy PM Meets Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights in Brussels

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov met Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty, during the 18th European Platform for Roma Inclusion (EPRI) meeting in Brussels, the Government Information Service announced on Friday. EPRI plays a key role in monitoring and supporting the implementation of the EU Roma Strategic Framework.

Commissioner O’Flaherty expressed concern about the housing conditions of Roma communities in Bulgaria. At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Commissioner discussed the recent demolition of illegal and unsafe housing structures at the Zaharna Fabrika borough in Sofia.

Zafirov explained that the makeshift dwellings had been constructed without building permits and had no electricity, running water, or sewage. He emphasized that residents had been given nine years to vacate the premises and stressed that remaining in the buildings posed a serious risk to people's safety. He added that all affected had been relocated and no one had been left without shelter.

At the meeting, Zafirov raised concern about recent cases of Bulgarian minors being removed from their families by child protection services in Norway, the most recent case dating from early September 2025.

He further informed Commissioner O’Flaherty about ongoing violations of the rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia and voiced concern about the continued anti-Bulgarian rhetoric from political leaders in the country.

In response, Commissioner O’Flaherty acknowledged existing issues regarding child welfare in Norway and added that he had recently discussed the situation in North Macedonia. He said that just days earlier he had met representatives of a Bulgarian cultural organization and assured that he remains committed to defending human rights everywhere.

At the end of the meeting, O’Flaherty presented Zafirov with a copy of his book The Unheard 12 Million, a collection of stories from Roma women travelling across Europe. He also expressed interest in visiting Bulgaria and accepted an invitation extended by Zafirov.

Zafirov chairs the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Demographic Issues. He is among the speakers at the 18th EPRI. The meeting addresses the topic "Insights and lessons after five years of implementing the EU Roma Strategic Framework – Progress made and remaining challenges".