Press release

European court rules that states have to protect people from illegal activities 

3 March 2026

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) today ruled in favour of a Bulgarian woman who has lost her house due to illegal mining happening underneath it. The ruling has ramifications outside Bulgaria.  

Elka Atanasova – from Pernik, Western Bulgaria – had been living in her house for 15 years when she noticed individuals entering underground tunnels underneath her house to illegally extract coal. Alongside her mother, she lodged numerous complaints to the authorities, urging them to take action in the face of the illegal mining. Yet, nothing changed while the ground was subsiding and their house eventually became uninhabitable.  

With support from Bulgarian organisation Za Zemiata and environmental law organisation ClientEarth, Elka Atanasova brought her case before the ECtHR. The Court ruled today that Bulgaria had violated her right to the peaceful enjoyment of her property.  

ClientEarth lawyer Vesselina Newman said: “This latest ruling from Europe’s top human rights court is highly significant. It confirms that states can be held accountable for failing to protect against the harm private actors cause to people and the environment.  

“The Court makes clear that even in the face of economic and other challenges, governments must manage risks posed by illegal activities and prevent property damage. Authorities have to proactively gather information on complex issues like illegal mining, assess risks to human rights, and take decisive action to prevent harm. 

“This ruling will be crucial for future cases involving suspected illegal mining activities, in Bulgaria and beyond.”  

Elka Atanasova will receive 20,000 EUR as compensation for the damages to her property, as well as 5,112 EUR for the mental distress caused to her.  

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  • The Court’s ruling can be found here. Photos of Elka Atanasova and her house can be found in this folder.  

About ClientEarth

ClientEarth is a non-profit organisation that uses the law to create systemic change that protects the Earth for – and with – its inhabitants. We are tackling climate change, protecting nature and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. ClientEarth teams in Europe, Asia and the USA work to shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive together.