A guiding principle in the state cultural policy of the Republic of Bulgaria is the safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms, which translates into awareness, communication, free choice of cultural expressions.
Fundamental rights and freedoms are guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the country in the field of culture. In this sense, the policies of the Ministry of Culture are subject to the principles of equality and respect for all cultures; equal access to cultural heritage and diversity of cultural expressions, the protection of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.
The Republic of Bulgaria guarantees the right of persons belonging to ethnic communities to disseminate and transmit their traditional cultural expressions and to have free access to them (Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (1991), Protection and Development of Culture Act (PDCA, 1999), . In this regard, linguistic diversity is especially protected as an important factor for exchange (Protection and Development of Culture Act (PDCA, 1999), .
The Cultural Heritage Act (CHA 2009) contains provisions on the role of the state, municipalities and private entities to provide equal access to cultural values, which are also a form of cultural expression. This Act establishes the right of access to cultural heritage such as providing physical and intellectual access to it without damaging or putting cultural values at risk.
In the implementation of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Ministry of Culture builds its policies based on the understanding that cultural diversity is strengthened by the free exchange of ideas and interaction between cultures. We must also add thereto the belief that the preservation, promotion and maintenance of cultural diversity are an essential condition for sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations. Therefore, with all its activities the Ministry aims to create conditions for fostering creativity, to assist artists and professionals in the field of culture; to support various social groups in their efforts to preserve their culture; to raise public awareness of the diversity of cultural expressions, their promotion and the need for their preservation. To respond adequately to the needs of all these groups, the Ministry of Culture has established cooperation with NGOs, public and private institutions, artists and other professionals in the field of art and culture.
The programmes of the Ministry are aimed at expanding opportunities for development of cultural activities at all levels, ensuring equal access to means of production, distribution and exchange of cultural products and services, at the same time providing financial support for cultural and artistic institutions in order to promote cultural diversity.
The implementation of the integrated approach to the protection and promotion of cultural diversity finds its expression in the strategic planning of measures for sustainable development of society. As a result, culture is an important and integral part of national plans to tackle demographic problems, poverty reduction, social inclusion, regional development, development of youth policies and of active aging. All these measures have contributed to achieving the global goals of the National Development Programme Bulgaria 2020 and those of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.