site.btaNational Audit Office President Highlights Readiness of Auditors, Emphasizes Ethical AI Integration in Public Audits

Addressing the international conference on “Artificial Intelligence and IT Audit in Safeguarding Public Resources”, held at the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia on Monday, National Audit Office (NAO) President Dimitar Glavchev emphasized that auditors at the NAO are fully prepared, both professionally and technically, to responsibly carry out their mission of safeguarding public resources and protecting the public interest under the country’s new financial and economic conditions. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov also attended the opening of the forum.

Glavchev said that Bulgaria is on the threshold of a historic milestone – the adoption of its first state budget in euros, and assured that NAO auditors are ready to meet the new requirements.

On the conference theme, he highlighted that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in audit operations is a strategic priority for the institution. Glavchev added that the NAO is at the early stages of developing internal capacity in this area and expressed confidence that the conference would benefit not only the NAO but all stakeholders. “We believe that together we can build a common framework for the effective yet responsible use of AI in auditing,” he said.

The NAO President emphasized the institution’s collaboration with the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at Sofia University on the pilot project “AI Audit for the National Audit Office”. The project features an advanced AI assistant designed to support the auditing process of public procurement. Glavchev explained that the system is still in training but will soon become an indispensable tool for auditors.

“I believe this will be implemented in an ethical and transparent manner, as every innovation in the public sector must adhere to the principles of legality, data protection, and respect for human rights,” he stressed.