Documents
GENDER EQUALITY PLAN (GEP) 2026–2029
The Gender Equality Plan sets out policies and measures to promote equality, non-discrimination, and an inclusive working environment. Foreword This foreword is issued by Ms. Boyka Vassileva, Manager of the National Innovation Fund. Our commitment The National Innovation Fund is committed to promoting gender equality within its workforce and across the research and innovation ecosystem, as part of its broader commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. A dynamic, diverse and inclusive research and innovation system is essential for achieving excellence and sustainable impact. It must reflect the diversity of society, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from innovation and research activities. Many of our efforts to advance gender equality are embedded within ongoing initiatives, policies and action plans, and are integrated into our evolving equality, diversity and inclusion strategy and workforce development measures. This Gender Equality Plan (GEP), an eligibility requirement for participation in Horizon Europe funding, enables us to focus specifically on addressing gender inequalities and to establish targeted measures that complement our broader equality, diversity and inclusion commitments. As Manager of the National Innovation Fund, I endorse this plan as a guiding framework in our continued efforts to achieve meaningful and lasting gender equality within the organisation and the wider innovation system. Introduction Starting from 2022, the European Commission introduced Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) as an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations and higher education institutions applying for funding under the Horizon Europe framework programme for research and innovation (2021–2027). A GEP represents an organisation-wide set of commitments and actions aimed at promoting gender equality. This plan outlines: how the National Innovation Fund meets the specific eligibility requirements for Horizon Europe funding the actions we commit to implementing across the five thematic areas recommended by the European Commission In preparing this document, we have followed the official Horizon Europe guidance on gender equality plans (op.europa.eu), ensuring alignment with European standards and best practices in advancing gender equality in research and innovation. Republic of Bulgaria carries out a consistent policy of gender equality, coordinated in line with the national specifics and undertakings assumed under international agreements, in which Bulgaria is a party, including in the capacity as EU Member State. More information can be found here: https://mlsp.government.bg/eng/equality-policy
Anti-Corruption Plan
The Anti-Corruption Plan outlines measures for the prevention and counteraction of corruption, aimed at enhancing transparency and integrity in the Fund’s activities. Some of the published documents are available in Bulgarian only, in accordance with their official adoption and legal status. For the convenience of users, titles and brief descriptions are also provided in English.
Minutes of Executive Board Meetings
The minutes document the meetings of the Executive Board, including decisions taken and issues discussed. Some of the published documents are available in Bulgarian only, in accordance with their official adoption and legal status. For the convenience of users, titles and brief descriptions are also provided in English.
Procedure for Selection of Executive Board Members
This document defines the conditions, procedures, and criteria for the selection of members of the Fund’s Executive Board, ensuring transparency and objectivity in the process. Some of the published documents are available in Bulgarian only, in accordance with their official adoption and legal status. For the convenience of users, titles and brief descriptions are also provided in English.
Declarations under the Anti-Corruption and Conflict of Interest Act
This section contains declarations submitted in accordance with the Anti-Corruption and Conflict of Interest Act, ensuring transparency and accountability of public officials. Some of the published documents are available in Bulgarian only, in accordance with their official adoption and legal status. For the convenience of users, titles and brief descriptions are also provided in English.
NIF Rules and Regulations
The rules and regulations govern the structure, functions, and procedures related to the management and operation of the Fund, in line with the applicable regulatory framework. Some of the published documents are available in Bulgarian only, in accordance with their official adoption and legal status. For the convenience of users, titles and brief descriptions are also provided in English.