site.btaSurvey Shows Bulgarian Administrative Structures Experiencing Decline in Administrative Capacity

Almost all Bulgarian administrative structures are experiencing a decline in their administrative capacity, according to the results of the National Survey of the Administrative Capacity of the State Administration for 2025, presented at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) on Thursday. The findings were presented by one of the authors, Prof. Borislav Borisov from the UNWE Institute of Economics and Politics. A total of 76 administrations were surveyed.

The highest average assessment of administrative capacity is given to the administrative structures of the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers, while the lowest is given to specialized territorial administrations, the results show.

Borisov said that over the past year, the administrative environment has been marked by various events - six votes of no confidence, mass protests, strike actions for better pay, accusations of corruption at various levels, etc. As a positive moment, Borisov noted the reports of the European Commission and the European Central Bank on Bulgaria's membership in the eurozone.

According to him, the presented results of the study indicate that there are persistent systemic problems. He gave the examples of formal implementation of financial management and control systems without traceability, failure to comply with the requirements for sustainable development, low level of innovation in the state administration, its politicization, as well as overestimation of the efforts of the administrations in the fight against corruption.

The report also states that in order to reverse the negative trend and increase administrative capacity, a new programme is needed. Borisov believes that it should be based on five main priorities - analysis before cuts, managing data as a strategic public asset, developing a learning administration, responsible introduction of artificial intelligence through clear rules, and strengthening external accountability.

According to Borisov, cuts in the administration are necessary. As proposals for cuts, he mentioned municipal administrations, as well as state agencies, commissions and sub-commissions outside the ministries. They can be brought under the umbrella of ministries as directorates, Borisov said, adding that this is where the biggest misuse of wage funds occurs.

In comparison, the study for 2024 reported the highest score for the administrative capacity of state agencies and the lowest for municipal administrations.