A seminar on “Managing terrorist financing risks in the non-profit organisations (NPOs) sector in Bulgaria” took place in Sofia on 13 May 2026, gathering 85 representatives from government institutions, financial regulators, the NPO sector, and international experts. This event is part of an ongoing joint initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe aimed at strengthening Bulgaria’s counter-terrorist financing framework.
The seminar focused on deepening awareness of the vulnerabilities faced by the NPOs, shedding light on the strategies employed by terrorist organisations, and examining real-life case studies that illustrate misuse of funds and logistical support. Participants were updated on recent legislative changes, sector-specific risks, and common challenges encountered.
Interactive sessions encouraged discussions on practical steps and sound governance practices for NPOs, aiming to enhance transparency, improve partner verification, bolster financial controls, and ensure overall sector resilience. The event also addressed financial inclusion concerns, such as bank account closures, issues with cross-border transfers, and the expectations of financial institutions and supervisors, fostering meaningful dialogue between regulators, banks, and NPOs.
The seminar concluded with key takeaways, practical guidelines for NPOs, and a call for continued collaboration between the sector, government authorities, and financial institutions.
The prevention of NPO abuse for terrorist financing purposes has been central to the technical assistance provided in recent years by the Council of Europe and the European Commission. This sustained support has driven substantial improvements in Bulgaria’s oversight of the NPO sector and risk awareness, bringing it in line with international FATF standards while maintaining a balanced approach that preserves the crucial space for civil society.
The activity was organised within the framework of the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) project on “Enhancing the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework in Bulgaria”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe.