News

13 November 2025

Deputy Ombudsman Maria Filipova attended the annual event of the Non-Food Traders Association (NFTA) where she stressed the role of the fair business practices and the partnership between institutions and businesses in the protection of the rights of citizens as consumers.

In her statement she emphasized that to build trust between people and the market is key to a stable and fair economic environment.

“Citizens will always hold honest business in esteem. In a competitive setting, the trader who will survive on the market is the one who respects the customer and who offers him clarity, quality and fairness. The trust of people is your most valuable asset advantage – and it is built every day, you know, with responsible conduct,” Maria Filippova said.

She pointed out that more and more customers become sensitive to the quality of goods and services, the mode of complaint and fairness in online transactions. Also, she drew attention to the importance of efficient control and self-regulation in the sector.

“People have every right to set high requirements for the goods that are offered for selling and buying. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, efficient control, good regulation and self-regulation by business are of key importance. It is to be noted that your Association actively promotes the application of standards and ethical rules that protect the interests of both, the businessmen and the consumers,” Maria Filipova said firmly.

In the context of the upcoming adoption of the Euro, the Deputy Ombudsman specially noted the need for transparent and trustworthy information to citizens.

“Transparency in pricing and unambiguous communication, as I have stated many times, are crucial for a smooth and fair transition,” Maria Filipova emphasized.

She congratulated the NFTA on its active performance to promote ethnical practices and partnership with government institutions and law enforcement agencies on matters of safety and prevention of shop lifting as she noted that such efforts are important for the whole of society.

“It is only open cooperation that can give the balance between economic efficiency and the protection of civil society, of the citizen as a consumer: this is the target that brings us together,” the Deputy Ombudsman concluded.