On 8 September 2025 the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy (Europe Region) issued a formal statement to the Bulgarian Minister of Health, the Minister of Education and Science, and the Rector of the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski”, expressing support to the Bulgarian Association of Physiotherapists (BAPT) in relation to the upcoming discussions on regulatory changes regarding the unification of the occupations under category 2 – Professionals (code 2264) of the National Classification of Professions and Occupations in the Republic of Bulgaria into a single regulated profession of Physiotherapist.

The document states that physiotherapy is an independent, science-based healthcare profession that promotes movement, function, and well-being across the lifespan. It underscores that physiotherapists are first contact practitioners who work autonomously and collaboratively within ethical and professional frameworks. Additionally, it reaffirms that physiotherapy education should be rooted in health sciences at university level, with entry programmes at a minimum level of EQF 6 (Bachelor) and outlines the profession’s core competencies, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, interprofessional collaboration, health promotion, and digital practice.

The Europe Region expresses its readiness to collaborate with Bulgarian authorities to ensure that national regulations reflect European and international standards, supporting quality, safety, and professional autonomy in physiotherapy practice.

Full statement: