site.btaGovernment Approves Administrative Justice Reforms and Introduces Digitization

Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev announced the adoption by the government of amendments to the Administrative Procedure Code on Wednesday. “We are reforming administrative justice and introducing digitalization,” Minister Georgiev stated, presenting the newly adopted bill that amends the Administrative Procedure Code. According to him, the central goal is to streamline procedures and tackle one of the judiciary’s chronic issues: slow case resolution.

“The major problem in Bulgarian justice is the slow process,” Georgiev explained. “Through the digital tools we are implementing - electronic communication and the principle of digital-first interaction - we will significantly shorten the timeframes in which administrative bodies and courts make their rulings.”

He outlined a package of measures aimed at expediting proceedings. These include electronic summons and service of documents, expanding the scope of mandatory electronic notifications to cover lawyers, businesses, notaries, and government institutions. Courts will also be required to communicate with each other electronically.

“We are introducing electronic case files as the standard,” Georgiev emphasized. “We’re bringing digital procedures to the forefront even in the early phase, when citizens are still communicating with the administration, before their cases reach the courtroom. This is a major step forward - replacing piles of paper with efficient digital processes.”

A third major reform involves expanding the use of video conferencing. Under the new rules, individuals filing appeals will be allowed to appear via video link, which will be considered equivalent to physical presence in court. “This reduces costs and accelerates the process,” the minister noted.

The broader objective of the reform, Georgiev concluded, is to make justice more accessible and citizen-centered. 

The bill will now be submitted to the National Assembly for debate and approval.