site.btaEducation Minister: School Curriculum Reform Could Be Completed by End-2027

A procedure to revise Bulgaria's school curricula is already under way, and the Ministry of Education and Science will seek to complete the process by the end of 2027 instead of the currently projected 2029 timeline, Education and Science Minister Georgi Valchev told journalists in Stara Zagora, Southern Bulgaria, on Friday.

Valchev attended the opening of a Centre of Excellence at the Ivan Pavlov National Vocational High School of Veterinary Medicine.

"The estimates we inherited envisaged completion in 2029, but we consider that far too long. We will do everything possible to shorten the timeframe to the end of 2027 so that, in line with the curriculum changes, we can finalize the learning content and textbooks. This is a long and complex process," the minister said.

He stressed that the aim is to reduce the burden on students without compromising the quality of education.

"When we talk about streamlining curricula, this should not be understood as removing important knowledge. Together with experts and the professional community, we will seek to eliminate unnecessary information rather than the logic of processes and the elements that help children develop strong reasoning skills," Valchev said.

Commenting on a possible increase in teachers' salaries, the minister said that a meeting of the Sectoral Council for Tripartite Cooperation in Preschool and School Education had been held the previous day, during which the parameters of the 2026 Budget were presented.

"We hope that once all procedures have been completed there will be no anxiety within the system," he said.

Valchev recalled Prime Minister Rumen Radev's statement that education, healthcare and culture are among the government's priorities. He noted, however, that the national budget is being drafted in the middle of the year under exceptionally difficult fiscal conditions.

Asked about the possibility of introducing term limits for school principals, the minister said the issue would be discussed with social partners and relevant institutions. He added that a joint meeting with all Regional Education Directorates would be held and that he plans to visit schools across the country in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the education system in every municipality.

On the issue of possible restructuring of Bulgaria's higher education sector, Valchev said that higher education is among the most reformed sectors in the country and already benefits from several evaluation mechanisms.

"No major changes are planned. We will continue policies aimed at promoting quality education because this will be crucial in the years ahead," he said.

The minister added that Bulgarian higher education should become attractive not only to domestic students but also to foreign applicants. According to him, continued improvements in quality are essential if Bulgaria is to strengthen its international reputation within the European Higher Education Area.

"In education, abrupt policy reversals are not beneficial because these are long-term policies. We must build on what has already been achieved and continue improving it," Valchev said.