2007 Assessment

This peer-reviewed country report includes:

Integrity Indicators Scorecard: Scores, scoring criteria, commentary, references, and peer review perspectives for more than 300 Integrity Indicators.

Reporter's Notebook: An on-the-ground look at corruption and integrity from a leading local journalist.

Corruption Timeline: Ten years of political context to today's corruption and integrity issues.

Country Facts: Statistical context for each country.

Bulgaria has a legal framework for fighting corruption that scores near the international median, yet practical implementation of these laws is better than most. In other words, while the legal framework could be improved, existing anti-corruption laws are generally enforced. The Audit Office and a new ombudsman are both rated well (though the ombudsman has little operational record to assess). However, Bulgaria still has significant weaknesses. Government accountability can be improved, particularly around judicial accountability; and transparency and accountability in the budget process. Whistleblower protections are nearly non-existent.