Bulgaria is a country that has seen significant movement towards reform in its defence and security establishments since the inauguration of the new government in 2009, and their Ministry of Defence has participated in a number of TI-DSP's projects and used several of our tools.

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence made tackling corruption a public priority when it was inaugurated in 2009. Bulgaria volunteered to take part in the Building Integrity Self-Assessment Process, and completed the Self-Assessment Questionnaire in 2010. They have published the results of the peer review report online.

Members of the TI-DSP team have worked closely with the Bulgarian MOD to help them develop defence and security ministry reforms.
 
As part of its reform programme, Bulgaria developed an action plan, which they published on the MOD website to build accountability.  This 11-step plan stated that there would be zero tolerance of political corruption, and called for an analysis of the current corruption environment and what measures must be taken to prevent corruption. In addition, it made structural changes, creating an independent audit, reorganizing the control system for defence policy implementation, and increasing transparency in the defence budgeting process. Investigation and reporting processes were strengthened. To ensure that the plan is implemented, there are MOD and government-wide steering committees that oversee progress.

The inauguration of a new government, as well as the desire to join the European Union, gave Bulgaria the impulsion to counter corruption in its defence establishments.

Bulgaria has so far sent one participant on the Building Integrity Training Course. They have also contributed best practice examples to the second edition of our Handbook, 'Building Integrity and Reducing Corruption in Defence and Security: 20 Practical Reforms'. 

Bulgaria provides an example of a country where energetic leadership is bringing real change in tackling corruption.

TI has a National Chapter in Bulgaria. 

Read more publications about Bulgaria from our database.

Read more on Defence Corruption News Stories from Bulgaria.

Explore our Interactive Map of Defence Corruption around the World.