Effective date: 25/12/2025
Last updated: 25/12/2025

1. Purpose of This Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains in detail how KUPATE BG – Roma Public Council Foundation (“the Foundation”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on its website.

The policy is intended to:

• Inform users clearly and transparently about the use of cookies.

• Explain what cookies are, why they are used, and how they function.

• Describe users’ rights and choices regarding cookies;

• Ensure compliance with applicable data protection and privacy legislation.

This Cookie Policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework

The Foundation operates in accordance with the following legal instruments:

• Regulation (EU) 2016/679 – General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• Directive 2002/58/EC – ePrivacy Directive, as amended

• Bulgarian Personal Data Protection Act

• Relevant guidance issued by:

  • The European Data Protection Board (EDPB)

  • National data protection authorities

  • UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), where applicable

Where UK-based users access the website, the Foundation aligns its practices with UK GDPR principles to the extent applicable.

3. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on a user’s device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when visiting a website. Cookies allow the website to recognise a user’s device and store certain information about preferences or past actions.

Cookies may:

• Be placed by the website itself (first-party cookies), or

• Be placed by third-party services integrated into the website (third-party cookies).

Cookies do not typically contain information that directly identifies an individual, but they may be linked to personal data when combined with other information.

4. Types of Cookies

Cookies can be classified by duration and purpose.

4.1 By Duration

Session Cookies

• Temporary cookies

• Deleted automatically when the browser is closed

• Used to enable basic website functionality

Persistent Cookies

• Remain on the device for a specified period

• Used to remember preferences or settings across visits

4.2 By Purpose

a) Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation of the website and cannot be disabled.

They are used for:

• Website security

• Page navigation

• Access to protected areas

• Basic functionality

Legal basis:
Legitimate interest – GDPR Article 6(1)(f)

b) Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation.

Examples include:

• Remembering language preferences

• Retaining form inputs

• Customising layout settings

Legal basis:
User consent – GDPR Article 6(1)(a)

c) Analytical and Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use the website.

They collect aggregated and anonymised information such as:

• Number of visitors

• Pages visited

• Duration of visits

• Navigation paths

The Foundation uses this information exclusively to improve website performance and accessibility.

Legal basis:
User consent – GDPR Article 6(1)(a)

d) Cookies We Do Not Use

The Foundation does not use cookies for:

• Behavioural advertising

• Targeted marketing

• Commercial profiling

• Sale or transfer of data to advertisers

5. Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, the website may use similar technologies, such as:

• Local storage

• Session storage

• Embedded content tools

These technologies are used solely to support functionality and are subject to the same legal safeguards as cookies.

6. Third-Party Cookies and Services

The website may include third-party services such as:

• Website analytics tools

• Embedded video or media players

• Security and performance tools

These third parties may place cookies on the user’s device under their own privacy policies.

The Foundation:

• Carefully selects reputable service providers;

• Ensures contractual safeguards where required;

• Does not authorise third parties to use cookie data for unrelated purposes.

Users are encouraged to review third-party privacy and cookie policies directly.

7. Cookie Consent and User Control

7.1 Consent Mechanism

Where required by law, cookies are placed only after the user has provided explicit consent via:

• A cookie banner

• Cookie settings panel

Users may:

• Accept all cookies;

• Reject non-essential cookies;

• Customise cookie preferences.

7.2 Withdrawal of Consent

Users may withdraw consent at any time by:

• Changing browser settings;

• Using the cookie management tool (where available).

Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.

8. Managing Cookies Through Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow users to:

• View cookies

• Delete cookies

• Block cookies

• Receive alerts when cookies are set

Please note that disabling cookies may limit website functionality.

9. Data Protection and Security

The Foundation implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect information collected via cookies, including:

• Secure hosting environments

• Access controls

• Regular system monitoring

Cookie data is not used to identify individuals directly and is not retained longer than necessary.

10. Children and Cookies

The Foundation’s website is not directed at children under the age of 16.

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children through cookies. If such data is identified, it will be deleted without delay.

11. International Data Transfers

Where third-party services involve data processing outside the European Economic Area (EEA), the Foundation ensures appropriate safeguards, such as:

• Standard Contractual Clauses

• Adequacy decisions

12. Transparency and Accountability

The Foundation is committed to transparency and accountability in its digital operations.

This Cookie Policy reflects our commitment to:

• Ethical data use

• User trust

• Legal compliance

13. Updates to This Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy may be updated periodically to reflect:

• Legal changes

• Technical developments

• Operational updates

Any changes will be published on this page with an updated revision date.

14. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Cookie Policy, please contact:

KUPATE BG – Roma Public Council Foundation
📍 Address: Bulgaria, Sofia (1517), Slatina district, 31 514th Street
📞 Telephone: +359 88 955 2668
📧 Email: kupate.bg2021@gmail.com

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Cookie Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Any disputes arising in connection with this policy shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent Bulgarian courts.