On 8 July 2010, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, Information Technologies and Communications (Министерство на транспорта, информационните технологии, MTITC, in Bulgarian) published online the draft eGovernment Strategy for 2010-2015 for public consultation.

The draft version of the eGovernment Strategy for 2010-2015 foresees the establishment of a 'National Council for eGovernment', a group of top executive representatives from the Council of Ministers, the legislative power and local government as well as from the industry and non-governmental organisations. The National Council would set up the policy in eGovernment, will control the implementation of that policy and will coordinate the eGovernment expenditures while the MTITC would organise and coordinate the operation and implementation of eGovernment policy.

Moreover, in line with this document, an additional 215 complex eServices would be provided for the implementation up to 2015, offering the citizens and businesses cost effective and convenient online tools. This objective is linked to the initiative of MTITC for broad access of all Bulgarian households to fast Internet sources.

Other proposed measures include:

• the set-up of public Internet terminals in government departments and municipalities in order to enable citizens to use the electronic services conveniently;
• the introduction of electronic invoices by 2015 and the expected 100 % acceptance of the public administration / 90 % acceptance of businesses;
• tenders in the public administration to go 100 % electronic;
• launch of electronic payments for all public expenditures;
• giving the green light for the possibility to apply for public procurement procedures by electronic means.

The legislative changes planned by 2015 aim to enable:

• the use of electronic documents and electronic signatures in providing electronic public services of the judiciary;
• the exchange of electronic documents between judicial and executive powers;
• the exercise of procedural rights electronically.

The consultation process started on 8 July and remained open until the 21 July 2010.

The draft strategy was established by an interagency working group with the participation and support of industry organisations. The working document is deemed consistent with the existing policy documents in the field of eGovernment, i.e., the Governmental Programme for the European Development of Bulgaria 2009-2013, the Malmö Ministerial Declaration 2009 and the European Commission strategy 'Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth'.

Further information:

• Official Press Release - Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (in Bulgarian)
• Related page on the eGovernment Strategy for 2010-2015 - Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (in Bulgarian)
• Draft eGovernment Strategy for 2010-2015 (in Bulgarian)