A total of 58 representatives of public institutions, businesses and civil society took part in whistleblower protection training sessions organised by Transparency International Bulgaria on 8, 13 and 14 October 2026. 

The sessions brought together participants from municipalities, regional administrations, state agencies, law firms, businesses and non-governmental organisations to discuss the practical challenges of implementing whistleblower protection legislation. 

A key focus was the gap between formal compliance with legal requirements and effective protection in practice. Participants explored how organisations can safeguard whistleblowers’ confidentiality, ensure appropriate follow-up to reports, and prevent retaliation or adverse treatment in the workplace. Particular attention was given to reports concerning managers or senior officials and the difficulties of maintaining confidentiality in small municipalities. 

Some participants noted that their organisations had received no reports despite having internal reporting channels in place for more than two and a half years. This prompted discussion about the importance of building trust, raising employee awareness and ensuring that reporting procedures are accessible and reliable. 

Practical exercises, interactive questions and the scenario “The Silent Employee” helped participants consider realistic workplace situations. An organisational self-assessment exercise encouraged them to evaluate whether their procedures provide genuine protection or merely meet formal legal requirements. 

The training highlighted that effective whistleblower protection requires more than internal reporting channels. It depends on clear procedures, consistent follow-up, confidentiality safeguards and protection against retaliation. 

Transparency International Bulgaria continues to promote stronger organisational practices and a culture in which wrongdoing can be reported safely and handled responsibly. 

The training was delivered as part of the VoiceGuard initiative, “An Initiative to Empower and Support Whistleblowers,” co-funded by the European Commission under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme.