Bulgaria to intensify oversight of public procurement and construction

Bulgaria’s Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Shishkov, has announced intensified oversight of public procurement and construction projects nationwide. Speaking in Haskovo, Shishkov emphasized that inspections will no longer be limited to reviewing documentation and tender procedures; they will now include direct on-site assessments of construction quality.

The initiative aims to ensure that both national budget allocations and European Union funds result in high-quality infrastructure rather than mere fund absorption. Shishkov noted that investigations will be triggered by suspicions or specific concerns, such as the ongoing restoration of the Atanas Sharenkov Art Gallery, where structural reinforcement issues were identified. Any confirmed violations will be referred to the prosecutor’s office.

In addition to construction oversight, the Ministry is addressing road safety. The Road Infrastructure Agency is preparing to replace damaged guardrails, specifically on the Maritsa motorway, where multiple sections were identified as hazardous. A working group is also analyzing regulations regarding road safety systems to prevent potential lobbying interests from influencing technical standards.