Equal access to information and services is a comprehensive human right, including people with disabilities while using the Internet.

Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies aims to increase digital inclusion on the basis of common accessibility requirements.

Public sector bodies should take the necessary measures to make their websites and mobile applications more accessible by making them perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Accessibility is essential for people with disabilities as well as the elderly, and benefits everyone.

Each Member State periodically monitors compliance of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies with the accessibility requirements of the Directive (EU) 2016/2102 on the basis of the methodology established by the Commission.

The Chairperson of State e-Government Agency is the body designated to perform the monitoring functions, as well as the body responsible for the enforcement of the Directive in Bulgaria.

The requirements of Directive (EU) 2016/2102 are introduced in the national legislation through the Electronic Government Act (amend. and suppl. SG. 94 of 29 Nov 2019) and the Ordinance on common requirements for information systems, registries and electronic administrative services (amend. and supp. SG 4 of 14 Jan 2020).

Administrative bodies, persons performing public functions and organisations providing public services should make the content of their websites and mobile applications accessible in accordance with applicable harmonised standards, parts thereof or technical specifications.  

The implementation of the harmonised coordinated standard EN 301 549 v2.1.2.2018 (2018-08) developed in support of Directive (EU) 2016/2102 ensures the minimum level of accessibility and is the basis for the monitoring of websites and mobile applications.