1. EBRD Cities in transition seminar
CITY OF SOFIA - BULGARIA
EBRD Cities in transition seminar

2. Bulgaria at a Glance Population 8,3 million Area 110,994 sq. km
Language Bulgarian
Alphabet Cyrillic
Predominant Religion Eastern Orthodox
Capital City Sofia

3. Bulgaria Essential Structural reform
Effective negotiations with the EU
on full membership
Political stability
Financial and macroeconomic stability
Substantial economic growth

4. The City of Sofia
Ever growing, never ageing

5. OVERVIEW Capital and largest city in Bulgaria
One of the oldest European Cities
1.2m inhabitants
Dominant position in Bulgaria’s political, economic and cultural life
FAVOURABLE LOCATION ON TRADITIONAL TRADE ROUTE

6. CITY ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Population
Municipal Council: Legislative Body
Mayor and Municipality Administration
Executive Body
Municipal Council
Elects
MAYOR
MUNICIPALITY
Finance
Transportation
Infrastructure
Education
Culture
Religion
Investment
Construction
Ecology
Environment
Healthcare
Social activities

7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONSHIP
Local Government System established in 1991
Central Government
Sofia
Police and protection of the population
Justice
Higher education
National Healthcare
Electricity production and distribution
Telecommunications
Fire prevention
Environment protection
Education (primary and secondary level)
Healthcare
Public transportation
Water supply
Heating
Street lighting
Social activities
Waste collection
Urban planning
Housing
Road maintainance
Central
Government
4 levels of Responsibilities
Regions
Municipalities
Districts

8. Sofia’s Economy: Sustaining Growth
Sofia is a
dominant
player in
Bulgaria’s
National
economy.

9. Sofia’s Urban Structure: Sustainable Future
Sofia has been the capital of Bulgaria for the last 120 years.
Sofia, as a dominant player in the national economy, is attractive for people, businesses and investment.
The city centre has a diverse profile of cultural and archeological monuments that date back to the glorious era of the Roman Empire.
New Master Plan passing through the Parliament

10. SOCIAL SERVICES
Health care – National insurance scheme introduced with 1999 health sector reform; Gradual privatization of city’s healthcare facilities
Education – 400 educational facilities – 82 primary, 99 secondary and high schools
Social assistance – 9 social assistance centers; home services for the elderly and handycapped
Significant Local Government involvment in social services provision

11. ‘BB’ RATING WITH STABLE OUTLOOK
SOFIA RATING
Rating supported by
overall improving Bulgarian environment
good financial performance reflected in high operating surpluses
improving tax collection
very low debt levels/tight, centrally controlled borrowing limits
Sofia’s position as the Capital City - 50% of FDI in Bulgaria goes to Sofia
relatively favourable employment structure
favourable location
‘BB’ RATING WITH STABLE OUTLOOK

12. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Member of
AIMF
METROPOLIS
ICLEI
Cooperation with
Vienna
Brussels
Moscow
Berlin
Paris
TOWARDS
THE EU
MEMBERSHIP

13. INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Sofia main infrastructure projects
Reconstruction of the City’s main thoroughfares and rings
Rehabilitation of the central heating system
Underground railway line development
Solid waste management
Transport project
Development of the airport
The proceeds of the Eurobond issues are used for financing the reconstruction of the City’s main thoroughfares and associated infrastructure
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
REQUIRES
INVESTMENTS