E-Government

The Digital Labor Card will be fully implemented in the industry and retail sectors as of July 1, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security said on Monday.
 
The decision has already been published in the Government Gazette, and takes into account the two sectors' demands, the ministry said.
 

The National Social Security Institute (NSSI) disclosed the rollout of a Single Portal for Electronic Services (SPES). This new portal consolidates various NSSI platforms and web applications aimed at managing administrative tasks related to social benefits, allowances, pensions, and claims, BTA reported.

Bulgaria is ushering in a new era of digitalization in its retail sector as merchants will soon have the option to issue electronic receipts for goods or services sold. This initiative, outlined in a draft of changes to the regulation of the Ministry of Finance on cash registers, aims to streamline transactions and enhance transparency in financial reporting.

The government and the tax administration (AADE) are in talks with the European Commission about the implementation of electronic invoicing by businesses.

Seeking to combat the spread of lies about the country, the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Digital Governance are reportedly preparing to launch a new digital platform that will use AI to identify false news harming the country's interests and take the appropriate steps to refute it. 

As part of the government's stated commitment to crack down on needless and time-consuming bureaucracy, the Digital Governance Ministry plans to gradually abolish the endless number of certificates required in the transactions between citizens and both the private and public sectors with the introduction of the relevant legislation in the coming months. 

Greek notaries ended their abstention from duties on Monday, following a decision of their extraordinary general assembly approving the use of a digital property transfer system set up by the government on January 1.

Moving into a new era where Citizens Service Centers (KEP) offices can respond to modern needs, the Ministry of Interior is planning their radical overhaul with the ultimate goal of transforming them into "one-stop offices," so that citizens can complete their transactions in one visit. 

Citizens now have access to a digital assistant service that was launched on Tuesday, allowing them to search for information on almost any type of transaction with the state, through a voice or written command. This new application is based on artificial intelligence and is available through the gov.gr platform.

In a concerning revelation, E-Governance Minister Alexander Yolovsky highlighted that only 31% of Bulgarians possess basic digital literacy skills, trailing behind the average of 54%. Yolovsky, leading the Digital Decade Council, emphasized the urgency to propel rapid advancement in this sphere.