Judges, Business Lawyers Discussed the Future of the Digital Justice in Bulgaria

On May 30, 2025, the Association of Bulgarian Administrative Judges (ABAS) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (AmCham) co-organized a high-level seminar titled Development of Digital Proceedings in the Administrative Procedure – Advantages and Challenges (Upcoming Amendments to the Administrative Procedure Code). The event brought together key representatives from the judiciary, the executive, and the business community to discuss the digital transformation of administrative justice in Bulgaria.

The seminar was officially opened by Lyubomir Gaidov, Chair of the Management Board of ABAS; Ivan Mihaylov, President of AmCham Bulgaria; Mihaela Mechkunova, Deputy Minister of Justice; and Alexander Yolovski, Deputy Minister of e-Government. Both deputy ministers took active roles in the discussion, which was moderated by Omourtag Petkov, Chair of AmCham’s Rule of Law Committee and Partner at DGKV.

The core of the event featured five expert presentations, moderated by Lyubomir Gaidov, addressing various aspects of the digitalization process in administrative proceedings:

  • “Digitalization of Administrative Proceedings – Benefits and Challenges for Business”
    Anton Krustev, Head of AmCham’s Public Procurement Working Group and Partner at DGKV
  • “Electronic Access to Case Files – E-filing and E-service”
    Marin Koshutov, representing Consortium Smart Sirma DZZD
  • “Implementation of Videoconference Court Hearings and Participant Support”
    Mario Dimitrov, ABAS Board Member and Chair of the Third Division at the Supreme Administrative Court
  • “Digital Justice in EU Countries – Practical Aspects”
    Mariana Shoteva, ABAS Board Member and President of the Administrative Court – Plovdiv
  • “Perspectives for Further Development of Digital Procedures”
    Dragomir Zhelyazkov, Chief of Cabinet to the President of the Supreme Administrative Court

The seminar served as a valuable platform to align views, share experience, and offer recommendations for improving access to justice and efficiency through digital means. The active participation of institutional representatives and legal experts underscored the importance of public-private dialogue in shaping the future of administrative justice in Bulgaria.