Oversight and accountability
News about public finance control, institutional oversight, audits, inspections, and transparency.
External observers get access to the authentication of voting machines
According to an approved schedule, representatives of parties, NGOs and BAS, entered in the CEC register, will be able to observe the process of authenticating the voting machines in the Ministry of Electronic Governance.
GDMN Checked Heat Supply Companies: Violations at Two Companies
The General Directorate "Metrological Supervision" (GDMN) conducted inspections of 15 heat supply companies throughout the country. Violations were found at two companies, related to the lack of valid metrological control marks on measuring instruments. Administrative penalty actions will be taken.
Operation PANGEA XVIII: Over 220 locations checked for illegal medicines and supplements
Successful international operation PANGEA XVIII uncovered violations in pharmacies, drugstores, salons and warehouses in Bulgaria. Counterfeit medicines, expired supplements and violations in the sale of medications were discovered.
Caretaker Minister Naydenov: The results of the audit at API are "extremely alarming"
Minister Naydenov announced the results of an audit at API, revealing suspicions of irregularities in public procurement and contracts, including guardrails worth over 590 million euros. Problems were also found in contracts for current road repairs and maintenance.
CEC Opens Procedure for Printing Ballots for the 2026 Elections
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced a public procurement for the production and delivery of paper ballots and specialized paper for the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2026. The order is awarded through negotiations without announcement to "Printing House of the Bulgarian National Bank" AD, in accordance with the requirements of the Election Code. The estimated cost of the ballots is 924,000 euros.
Ombudsman: 800 Complaints about High Electricity Bills and Demands for Justice
Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva announced 800 complaints about high electricity bills and petitions from 14 settlements. Measures for transparency, fairness, and consumer protection are being discussed. Citizens are requesting inspections, control over invoices, and installment payments.
Minister Sharkov to the fintech industry: Let's prepare for the "unknown unknowns" in cybersecurity
The Minister of Electronic Governance, Assoc. Prof. Georgi Sharkov, called on the fintech sector to think not only about cybersecurity, but also about cyber resilience – with its own monitoring, SOC centers and active ISAC structures – against the backdrop of the new Cybersecurity Act, DORA, NIS2 and the upcoming European Digital Wallet.
Ministry of Interior: Assistance for voting of citizens without identity documents in the elections
The units of the BDS within the Ministry of Interior will issue certificates to citizens who do not possess valid identity documents, so that they can vote in the elections on April 19. Applications are submitted to the SDVR, OD and RU within specific deadlines.
Minister Georgi Sharkov: Our goal is 100% verification of the code of all voting machines
The Minister of Electronic Governance Georgi Sharkov presented a report on the technical preparation of the elections on April 19, 2026, announcing an ambition for a full check of the software of all machines, improved video surveillance and coordination between institutions for minimal technical problems and maximum trust.
Minister Sharkov to OSCE observers: security and transparency of technologies in the elections are a priority
The Minister of Electronic Governance, Georgi Sharkov, presented to the OSCE/ODIHR Mission the measures for authenticating the voting machines and video surveillance during the counting of ballots for the April 19, 2026 vote, emphasizing that the goal is a secure and transparent electoral process.
MoEW Monitors Dams: Preventive Water Release from Dams
The MoEW monitors the condition of the dams and takes preventive measures. Water is being released from the "Studena", "Trakhiets", and "Aheloy" dams. A total of 74.85% of the total volume of complex and significant dams are filled. Rainfall is expected.
Weekly Briefing on the Euro: Current Information and Technical Issues
Today's briefing of the Coordination Center for the Euro Mechanism will present current data on the process of introducing the euro in Bulgaria. Technical issues are discussed, and information on inflation is provided.
World Consumer Rights Day: CPC with initiatives for consumer protection
In connection with World Consumer Rights Day (March 15), the CPC organizes initiatives to raise awareness. Experts inform about consumer rights, advice for informed choices, and ways to protect interests in case of problems. The theme for the year is "Safe Products, Confident Consumers".
MEU through a lottery determined the external experts for checking the voting machines
The Ministry of Electronic Governance for the first time held a public lottery to select external specialists who will participate in the certification of the voting machines, after the submitted applications exceeded the number of announced positions.
Over 192 tons of food from third countries were not allowed into Bulgaria in February 2026
The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) stopped 29 consignments of food and animal feed from third countries due to pesticides, mycotoxins, and issues with documentation. Increased import control will monitor for false origin labeling.