On September 12, 2025, the Parliament adopted a draft Law on Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Institutions, at the proposal of the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
This law creates a legal framework that will enable people with disabilities and the elderly to have easier access to information and services offered by public sector institutions on their websites and mobile applications.
The Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, Radoslav N. Vardziski, emphasized the importance of the law in achieving the equal exercise of the rights of all citizens, thereby directly contributes to greater digital accessibility for citizens and a more inclusive digital society in the country.
“We are actively working on aligning domestic legislation with the legislation of European Union in the area of digitalization. In this regard, a particularly important aspect is the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in all social spheres, including digital transformation. With this draft law, we are laying the foundation for equal access for all citizens to services and information offered by public sector institutions on their mobile and web applications, especially for persons with disabilities and the elderly,” Vardziski said.
The draft law is the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies, in national legislation.
“In the law, we define clear obligations and conditions for public sector institutions that must be met to ensure accessibility to their websites and mobile applications. We are establishing mechanisms for regular monitoring and reporting on the compliance of websites and applications with accessibility requirements and promoting principles of universal design. This solution directly impacts raising awareness of the importance of accessibility and developing knowledge among institutions on how to apply the principles and standards of accessibility for electronic services and information.” he informed.
“To ensure the accessibility of websites and mobile applications, public sector institutions will be required to meet several conditions, including: The content of websites and mobile applications must be perceivable and understandable through at least two different senses, not relying exclusively on one sense; All interactive elements must be usable regardless of the method of use, including with a keyboard, voice control or assistive devices; The function and meaning of interactive elements must be clear, predictable and consistent; All content of websites and mobile applications must be technically sound and reliably interpreted by various user programs, including assistive technologies, so that it is receptive, operational, understandable and robust. Accessible alternatives, an accessibility statement and other elements are anticipated to appropriately regulate this area,” added Vardziski.
The law will enter into force on July 1, 2026, and it also provides for misdemeanour provisions. Oversight of the implementation of this law by the relevant institutions will be conducted by the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
