World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria CAR COS FY17 Report (Final).docx FY 2022 Bulgaria Country Opinion Survey Report THE WORLD BANK GROUP Business Intelligence Team 1 September 2022 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria Acknowledgements The Bulgaria Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw design, reporting, and analysis. Dania Mendoza, Noreen Wambui, and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Bulgaria country team and independent fielding agency ESTAT LTD. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Ivelina Todorova Taushanova (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Adela Ivanova Delcheva Nachkova (Operations Assistant), who coordinated the survey related activities from Sofia, Bulgaria. 1 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria Table of Contents I. Objectives ...................................................................................3 II. Demographics of the Sample.......................................................4 III. Overall Context ...........................................................................7 IV. Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group ......................11 V. World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas .................14 VI. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground .....15 VII. World Bank Group’s Knowledge and Instruments .....................18 VIII. The Future Role of the WBG in Bulgaria ....................................20 IX. Communication and Outreach ..................................................25 X. Appendices ................................................................................27 BULGARIA 2 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria I. Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Bulgaria perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG when it comes to its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Bulgaria’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 2. What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? 3. How the WBG is perceived as a development partner? Are opinions improving or declining? 4. What do key stakeholder value the most, and the least when it comes to the WBGs work at the country level? What are the priorities looking forward? 5. Are stakeholders familiar with the WBG’s financial products? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of familiarity? 6. What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG knowledge products and their quality? Are opinions improving or declining? 7. What are the preferred communication channels and which channels are reported to be used the most? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? From May to June of 2022, a total of 449 stakeholders who work in the area of socioeconomic development in Bulgaria were invited to participate in the survey. Among them were representatives from the government, civil society, bilateral and multilateral organizations, private sector, academia, and the media. A total of 210 stakeholders completed the survey (47% response rate). Respondents received the questionnaire link via email and completed the questionnaire online. Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions that will be aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard. These questions are identified throughout the survey report. Note that the body of the report presents data on selected questions of the survey questionnaire. Please refer to Appendix A for data on all survey questions. Appendix B presents data on selected questions. Additional data breakdowns are available upon request. 3 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria II. Demographics of the Sample (continued) Current Affiliation ▪ Note that for further analyses, some respondent groups were combined (for details see Appendix C). 4 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria II. Demographics of the Sample (continued) Area of Primary Specialization Geographic Locations 5 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria II. Demographics of the Sample (continued) Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey had statistically similar levels of familiarity with the WBG compared to respondents in the FY’ 18 Country Survey (FY’ 22 mean = 6.2; FY’ 18 mean = 6.0). ▪ Collaboration: Respondents who collaborate with the WBG also reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the work of the WBG compared to respondents who do not collaborate (mean familiarity of collaborators = 7.0; mean familiarity of non- collaborators = 5.6). ▪ Stakeholder groups: Respondents across stakeholder groups had statistically similar levels of familiarity with the work of the World Bank. 6 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria III. Overall Context Country Direction Overall, respondents continue to believe that Bulgaria is headed in the right direction. However, respondents from the “Media” are the least optimistic – only 20% of them think that the country is headed in the right direction. Perceptions of Economic Opportunity Respondents are less optimistic about the economic opportunity for citizens in the country – only 49 % believing that it is increasing. 7 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria III. Overall Context (continued) Development Priority In 2022, “Education and Innovations”, “Law and justice”, and “Economic growth” continue to be the most important development priorities in Bulgaria, according to the respondents. The share of respondents who selected “Energy and energy efficiency” among the top development priorities has gone markedly up, from only 3% in FY’ 18 to 33% in FY’ 22. More respondents in FY’ 22 selected “Healthcare”, Economic growth”, and “Governance” among the top development priorities. This increase (as well as increase across all other development priorities) is partially attributable to the change in the methodology1, but the highest increases may also suggest a heightened prominence of these priorities in Bulgaria. Note: n=208 * In FY’ 18, this option was “Education” ** In FY’ 18, this option was “Judiciary reform” *** In FY’ 18, this option was “Climate change” 1 In FY’ 18, respondents were offered to select up to three priorities from the list, while in FY’ 22 – up to five. 8 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria III. Overall Context (continued) Trust in Institutions Respondents expressed relatively high level of trust in the WBG “to do what is right”, along with the private sector and the EU institutions. Notably, respondents reported much less trust in the UN, and particularly in the WHO. 9 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria III. Overall Context (continued) Attributions for Slow/Failed Reform Efforts Respondents from civil society organizations were significantly more likely to attribute slow or failed reform efforts in Bulgaria to corruption (65%) then respondents from independent government institutions and state-owned enterprises (17%). 10 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria IV. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group Key Performance Indicator Questions2 There were slight improvements in the perceptions of the WBG in terms of its effectiveness and alignment with Bulgaria’s development priorities, and a significant (although still moderate) improvement in terms of the perceived ability to achieve development results. The WBG’s perceived relevance has somewhat decreased, while its ability to influence the development agenda in Bulgaria was ranked the lowest among the key indicator questions. 2 Questions included in this analysis: B4_1 Overall, please rate your impression of the effectiveness of these organizations in Bulgaria: The World Bank (IBRD) (1-"Not effective at all", 10-"Very effective) B2 Overall, the World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in Bulgaria (1-"Strongly disagree", 10-"Strongly agree") B3 The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorit ies for Bulgaria (1-"Strongly disagree", 10- "Strongly agree") B5 To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work help to achieve development results in Bulgaria? (1-"To no degree at all", 10-"To a very significant degree") B6 To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Bulgaria? 11 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria IV. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) Greatest Value Year comparison: Respondents in Bulgaria continue to value WBG’s policy advice, studies, and analyses the most among other activities (54% in FY’ 18 and 46% in FY’ 22), along with the WBG’s global knowledge (38%). Notably, fewer respondents in FY’ 22 selected implementation support among the most valued activities—only 11%, compared to 38% in FY’ 18. The level of preparedness of the WBG staff is ranked higher than the perceived level of overall effectiveness of the institution in the country, and this perception hasn’t changed since FY’ 18. 12 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria IV. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) Overall Ratings for Indicator Questions by Stakeholder Groups ▪ Collaboration: Respondents who collaborate with the WBG had significantly higher mean ratings for the aggregated responses to the twenty-four COS indicator questions (mean rating = 7.3) compared to respondents who do not collaborate with the WBG (mean rating = 6.5). ▪ Stakeholder groups: Respondents from Bilateral and Multilateral agencies and from “Other” organizations had the highest mean ratings for the Academia had significantly lower mean ratings. Responses for individual indicator questions by stakeholder groups can be found in Appendix B (page 38). 13 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria V. World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas Effectiveness of WBG’s Support in Sectoral Areas: Year Comparison3 Perceptions of the WBG’s performance in different sectoral areas are moderately positive and have improved across all sectoral areas compared to FY’ 18, with statistically significant improvements in the top priority area of education. 3 Note that only informed stakeholders primarily responded to this question. Respondents were given the option of “ Don’t Know” if they did not have exposure to the WBG’s work in certain development areas. In addition, responses from respondents who indicated little or no familiarity with the WB (a rating of 1 or 2 out of 10) were not included in the analyses. 14 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VI. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground Overall Perceptions4 Perceptions of the way the WBG operates on the ground have slightly improved; respondents tend to give higher rankings of the WBG’s insistence on accountability, its contribution to increasing Bulgaria’s institutional capacity (significant increase in rating), and its effective measurement of results. Respondents give relatively lower rankings for the speed of the WBG’s operations—although there has been a significant increase in the perceptions of how promptly the WBG disburses funds. 4 Responses from respondents who indicated little or no familiarity with the WB (a rating of 1 or 2 out of 10) were not included in the analyses. 15 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VI. WBG’s Work and Engagement on the Ground (continued) The WBG as an Effective Development Partner5 Year comparison: The WBG is regarded as respectful and open long-term partner that collaborates well with other partners and the EU (significant increase in rating) and with the Government of Bulgaria. There was a significant improvement in the perceptions of the WBG’s collaboration with civil society, although the rankings for inclusivity and collaboration with the private sector and with civil society continue to be relatively lower than for other attributes. 5 Responses from respondents who indicated little or no familiarity with the WB (a rating of 1 or 2 out of 10) were not included in the analyses. 16 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VI. WBG’s Work and Engagement on the Ground (continued) Familiarity with WBG’s financial products Respondents reported relatively low levels of familiarity with the WBG’s financial instruments.6 There were no statistically significant differences in familiarity between those who collaborate with the WBG and those who don’t. Respondents from government institutions reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with Program-for-Results and Development Policy Financing. For the rest of the products differences among stakeholder groups were not significant. 6 The charts on this page show the data for respondents who reported some familiarity with the work of the World Bank—3 and higher on a 10-point scale (question B1_1). 17 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VII. World Bank Group’s Knowledge and Instruments Perceptions of the WBG’s Knowledge Work and Activities7 Respondents give the highest rankings for the technical quality of the WBG’s knowledge products, but somewhat lower rankings when it comes to the contribution to development results and RAS value-for-money. There were small, but non-significant, increases in all questions, except for the contribution to development results. 7 Questions included in this analysis: E9 Overall, how would you rate the technical quality of the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities? (1-"Very low technical quality", 10-"Very high technical quality) C23 The World Bank Group meets Bulgaria’ needs for knowledge services (e.g., Re imbursable Advisory Services, research, analysis, data, technical assistance) (1-"Strongly disagree", 10-"Strongly agree") E8 Overall, how significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country? (1-"Not significant at all", 10-"Very significant") C24 To what extent do you believe that Bulgaria received value for money from the World Bank Group’s Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS)? (1-"To no degree at all", 10-"To a very significant degree") 18 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VII. World Bank Group’s Knowledge and Instruments (continued) Attributes of the WBG’s Knowledge Work and Activities The WBG received the highest rating for its knowledge products being a source of relevant information on global good practices (mean=8.1), but somewhat lower ratings for its work being timely (mean=6.9) and adequately disseminated (mean=6.8), although the letter one has significantly improved compared to FY’ 18. 19 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VIII. The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Bulgaria Making the World Bank Group of Greater Value While respondents ranked highly the WBG’s knowledge products as a source of global good practices, over half of them (54%) thought the institution could increase the level of country- specific expertise, and the majority (59%) saw value in being more critical of the government policies and reform efforts. 20 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VIII. The Future Role of the WBG in Bulgaria (continued) The World Bank Group Should Collaborate More with … Consistently with the findings of the FY’ 18 survey, respondents selected the academia, civil society, local governments, and the private sector as the groups the WBG should collaborate more with in Bulgaria. 21 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VIII. The Future Role of the WBG in Bulgaria (continued) Where the World Bank Group Should Focus its Resources Overall, the areas where respondents would like the WBG to focus its resources in Bulgaria in FY’ 22 are aligned with the top development priorities and are very similar to those reported in the FY’ 18 survey, with a notable exception of energy that increased in prominence by 23 percentage points, from just 7% in FY’ 18 to 30% in FY’ 22. 22 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VIII. The Future Role of the WBG in Bulgaria (continued) Providing support to refugees Labor market engagement and education were the two areas where a plurality of stakeholders suggested that the WBG’s resources and support could be of most help to support refugees in Bulgaria. 23 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria VIII. The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Bulgaria Support related to COVID-19 outbreak The vast majority of respondents indicated that the areas that would benefit most from the WBG’s support when it comes to the issue of access to COVID-19 vaccines were strengthening the country’s health systems (80%) and addressing the issue of misinformation (71%). The latter came relatively high on the list, which may indicate that the spread of misinformation about vaccines is an area of high concern for respondents in Bulgaria. 24 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria IX. Communication and Outreach Note: When considering communication methods for the World Bank Group’s future outreach, please see Appendix A (page 28) for reported frequency of interactions with key forms of World Bank Group communications. General Information Sources In FY’ 22, there was a notable increase in the number of respondents who use social media as their main source of news (62% in FY’ 22 vs. 16% in FY’ 18). Although national television remains a commonly used source of information, respondents across all stakeholder groups reported supplementing it with a variety of online news sources. Notably, respondents from CSOs and multilateral organizations (the “Other” category in Appendix B) were the most likely to use online media channels (including social media) among their main information sources. 25 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria IX. Communication and Outreach (continued) Preferred Information Sources8 Similar to FY’ 18, respondents suggested that e-Newsletters remain their preferred way of receiving information from the WBG (44% in FY’ 18 and 52% in FY’ 22). This finding should be interpreted critically, considering that, when asked about the frequency of their interactions with the WBG in the last six months, respondents were most likely to mention visiting a WBG website, reading a WBG research publication, and hearing a story about the WBG in local media, while reading a WBG e-Newsletter was the least frequently mentioned activity (see Appendix A for details). WBG’s social media remain relatively low on the list of preferred ways of receiving information from the WBG (19% in FY’ 22 and 15% in FY’ 18), even though in FY’ 22 social media were the second most popular channel of news for the respondents. 8 Note: When considering communication methods for the World Bank Group’s future outreach, please see Appendix A for reported frequency of interactions with key forms of World Bank Group communications. 26 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria X. Appendices A. Responses to All Questions Across All Respondents ..................... 28 B. Responses to Selected Questions by Stakeholder Groups ............ 38 C. Responses to Selected Questions by Level of Collaboration with the World Bank Group .......................................................... 47 D. Bulgaria FY 2022 COS Questionnaire ............................................ 50 BULGARIA 27 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria Appendix A: Responses to All Questions across All Respondents (N=210) All rating scale questions are presented with the total number of respondents that provided a rating (N), the number of respondents who indicated that they “Don’t know” (DK), the mean rating across all respondents (Mean), and the standard deviation of this mean (SD). Indicator questions are noted with an asterisk (*). Background Information Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 Percentage of Respondents response) (N=210) NGO/Community Based Organization 21.4% Employee of Ministry, Ministerial Department, Implementation Agency 21.0% Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 14.3% Office of a Minister 7.6% Local Government Office or Staff 5.7% Private Sector Organization 5.2% Media (press, radio, TV, web, etc.) 4.8% Financial Sector/Private Bank 3.8% Independent Government Institution (i.e., regulatory agency, central 3.3% bank/oversight institution) Office of a member of Parliament/Legislative body 2.4% State-Owned Enterprise 2.4% Multilateral Agency (UN, regional development bank) 2.4% Office of the President, Prime Minister 1.4% Private Foundation (e.g., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller 1.4% Foundation) Professional/Trade association 1.4% Project Management Unit (PMU) overseeing implementation of WBG 1.0% project/Consultant/Contractor working on WBG supported project/program Other 0.5% Judicial System (e.g., courts) 0.0% Bilateral Agency (e.g., embassy, diplomatic, military) 0.0% Faith-Based Group 0.0% Youth Group 0.0% Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Group Percentage of Respondents (IBRD, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in Bulgaria? (N=210) Yes 43.8% No 56.2% If yes, which of the following agencies of the World Bank Group do you Percentage of Respondents primarily collaborate/work with in Bulgaria? (Select only 1 response) (N=92) The World Bank (IBRD) 96.7% The International Finance Corporation (IFC) 3.3% The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) 0.0% International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) 0.0% 28 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria A. Overall Context Percentage of Respondents 1. In general, would you say that Bulgaria is headed in ... ? (N=209) The right direction 69.9% The wrong direction 7.2% Not sure 23.0% Percentage of Respondents 2. Do you think that economic opportunity for citizens in Bulgaria is … ? (N=209) Increasing 48.8% Decreasing 30.1% Staying about the same 21.1% 3. Please identify which of the following development priorities you consider Percentage of Respondents the most important in Bulgaria. (Choose no more than 5) (Responses Combined; N=208) Education and Innovations 69.2% Law and justice (e.g., judicial system) 55.3% Economic growth 51.0% Healthcare 46.6% Governance (i.e., government effectiveness) 43.3% Energy and energy efficiency 33.2% Convergence of living standards with EU 32.2% Job creation/employment 20.7% Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social assistance) 18.2% Basic infrastructure and transport (e.g., roads, bridges, transportation) 18.2% Climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation) and green deal 15.9% Public financial management (e.g., public expenditure, fiscal system reform) 14.9% Rural development 10.6% Financial Sector 8.7% Agriculture 8.2% Equality of opportunity and gender (i.e., equity) 6.7% Trade and exports 5.3% Water and sanitation 4.8% Disaster Management 4.3% Global pandemics (e.g., COVID-18) 1.9% 29 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria A. Overall Context (continued) 4. When economic and/or social reform efforts fail or are slow to take place in Bulgaria, which of the following would you attribute this to? (Choose no more Percentage of Respondents than 2) (Responses Combined; N=205) Corruption 43.4% Inadequate capacity in the government 37.6% Reforms are not well thought out in light of country challenges 33.7% Political pressures and obstacles 31.2% Inadequate citizen/civil society participation 20.0% Pressure from outside interest groups (e.g., private sector, unions) 18.5% Other 4.4% Inadequate external partners/EU support 2.9% 5. To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is Degree right?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) N DK Mean SD 1. The national government 189 2 6.82 2.65 2. Parliament 200 3 6.24 2.85 3. EU institutions (incl. EC and EU Parliament) 186 3 7.12 2.36 4. The World Bank Group* 172 23 6.97 2.17 5. The International Monetary Fund 166 28 6.44 2.38 6. The United Nations (UN) 170 21 5.78 2.63 7. The World Health Organization (WHO) 177 14 5.40 2.80 8. Bulgaria’s Central Bank 187 11 6.94 2.34 9. Private Sector 189 3 7.21 2.04 10. Civil Society 181 2 6.91 2.38 11. Media 180 3 5.42 2.62 12. Academia 180 4 6.28 2.49 B. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group 1. How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Bulgaria? Familiarity (1-Not familiar at all, 10-Extremely familiar) N DK Mean SD 1. The World Bank (IBRD) 205 N/A 6.22 2.32 2. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private sector 187 N/A 4.06 2.65 arm 30 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria B. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group(continued) To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the Level of Agreement World Bank Group’s work in Bulgaria? (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) N DK Mean SD 2. Overall the World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in 173 32 6.75 1.93 Bulgaria* 3. The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development 163 36 6.94 1.98 priorities for Bulgaria* 4. Overall, please rate your impression of the effectiveness of these Effectiveness organizations in Bulgaria. (1-Not effective at all, 10-Very effective) N DK Mean SD 1. The World Bank (IBRD)* 173 28 6.90 1.91 2. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private sector 118 69 6.13 2.04 arm* Achieving Development Results N DK Mean SD 5. To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work help to achieve development 165 34 6.69 1.86 results in Bulgaria?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) Influencing the Development Agenda N DK Mean SD 6. To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in 161 34 6.11 2.06 Bulgaria?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) 7. To what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s work and Percentage of Respondents support help the poorest in Bulgaria? (Select only 1 response) (N=200) To a fully sufficient degree 2.0% To a somewhat sufficient degree 27.5% To a somewhat insufficient degree 21.0% To a very insufficient degree 15.5% Don’t know 34.0% 8. When thinking about the World Bank Group’s role in Bulgaria, which activity Percentage of Respondents do you VALUE the most? (Choose no more than 2) (Responses Combined; N=185) Formal policy advice, studies, analyses 45.6% Bringing in the best of global knowledge in policymaking 38.5% Data and statistics 24.6% Technical assistance 24.1% Financial resources 22.6% Bringing together different groups of stakeholders 12.3% Implementation support 10.8% External partners/EU coordination 8.7% Other 1.0% 31 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria B. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) 9. When thinking about how the World Bank Group can have the most impact on development results in Bulgaria, which sectors do you believe the World Bank Group should prioritize with its resources (financial and knowledge Percentage of Respondents services) in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 5) (Responses Combined; N=182) Education and Innovations 55.7% Economic growth 43.2% Healthcare 36.5% Governance (i.e., government effectiveness) 34.9% Law and justice (e.g., judicial system) 33.3% Energy and energy efficiency 30.2% Public financial management (e.g., public expenditure, fiscal system reform) 29.7% Convergence of living standards with EU 26.6% Climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation) and green deal 22.4% Basic infrastructure and transport (e.g., roads, bridges, transportation) 21.9% Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social assistance) 18.2% Financial Sector 16.7% Rural development 16.7% Job creation/employment 14.1% Water and sanitation 10.9% Agriculture 8.3% Disaster Management 7.3% Equality of opportunity and gender (i.e., equity) 6.8% Trade and exports 6.3% Global pandemics (e.g., COVID-18) 5.7% 10. What do you immediately think of when you hear about the IFC? Percentage of Respondents (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=185) World Bank 39.5% Multi-lateral financial institution 28.7% Development institution 22.1% Financial advisory solutions 22.1% Don’t know 14.9% Investment bank 13.8% Innovation and entrepreneurship 11.8% Impact investor 11.8% Private sector solutions 11.8% Public-private partnerships 8.7% Venture capital 4.1% Asset manager 3.6% None of the above 3.1% Thought leader 2.1% Other 0.5% 32 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria C. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground Staff Preparedness N DK Mean SD 1. To what extent do you believe the World Bank Group’s staff is well prepared (e.g., skills mix and knowledge) to help Bulgaria solve its most complicated development 158 24 7.61 1.83 challenges? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Degree Bulgaria, in terms of each of the following? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) N DK Mean SD 2. Collaboration with the private sector* 122 47 6.34 2.04 3. Being inclusive* 143 27 6.92 1.86 4. Straightforwardness and honesty* 145 24 7.23 2.16 5. Access to WBG staff and experts 142 28 7.25 1.93 6. Being a long-term partner* 159 15 8.00 1.72 7. Responsiveness to needs* 146 23 7.16 2.22 8. Collaboration with the Government* 155 16 7.66 1.71 9. Flexibility when circumstances change* 135 34 7.03 2.13 10. Collaboration with civil society* 135 34 6.70 2.25 11. Treating clients and stakeholders in Bulgaria with respect* 143 26 7.99 1.96 12. Openness (sharing data and other information) * 157 13 7.82 1.99 13. Collaboration with other external partners and EU 133 36 7.85 1.79 To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Level of Agreement (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) N DK Mean SD 14. The World Bank Group takes decisions quickly in Bulgaria* 113 55 6.36 2.30 15. The World Bank Group’s approvals and reviews are done in a timely fashion 124 43 6.75 2.15 16. The World Bank Group’s conditions on its lending are reasonable 93 77 6.94 2.18 17. The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly 79 87 6.46 2.26 18. The World Bank Group’s Environmental and Social Framework requirements are 110 56 7.12 1.91 reasonable 19. The World Bank Group insists on accountability through its lending (e.g., 124 44 8.21 1.74 performance-based financing/resources tied to results) 20. The World Bank Group measures results effectively 131 37 7.71 1.90 21. Working with the World Bank Group increases Bulgaria’s institutional capacity 151 18 7.80 2.09 22. How familiar are you with the following financial products of World Bank Familiarity Group? (1-Not familiar at all, 10-Extremely familiar) N DK Mean SD 1. Investment Project Financing (IPF) 187 N/A 4.51 3.40 2. Program-for-Results (PFR) 187 N/A 4.51 3.28 3. Development Policy Financing (DPF) 183 N/A 4.42 3.28 4. DPF with CAT-DDO - Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option 181 N/A 3.32 3.22 To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statement about the World Bank Group in Bulgaria? (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) N DK Mean SD 23. The World Bank Group meets Bulgaria’ needs for knowledge services (e.g., 150 27 7.27 2.06 Reimbursable Advisory Services, research, analysis, data, technical assistance) (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) N DK Mean SD 24. To what extent do you believe that Bulgaria received value for money from the 118 56 6.90 2.11 World Bank Group’s Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS)? 33 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria D. World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas 1. How EFFECTIVE do you believe the World Bank Group is in terms of the work Effectiveness it does in the following areas of development in Bulgaria? (1-Not effective at all, 10-Very effective) N DK Mean SD 1. Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social assistance) 69 97 6.49 2.01 2. Poverty reduction 72 93 6.38 2.13 3. Public sector governance/reform (i.e., government effectiveness, public financial 101 64 7.27 1.94 management, public expenditure, fiscal system reform) 4. Equality of opportunity (i.e., social inclusion) 71 93 6.58 2.30 5. Education 90 74 6.80 2.20 6. Science, Technology and Innovation 86 78 6.74 2.08 7. Climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation) 76 88 6.88 2.03 8. Energy and decarbonization 70 94 6.83 2.26 9. E-government 59 103 6.36 2.45 10. Disaster risk management 56 108 6.46 2.35 11. Water and sanitation 68 97 6.68 2.26 12. Economic growth 83 82 7.00 2.05 13. Urban development 60 104 6.78 2.33 14. Transport (e.g., roads, bridges, transportation) 61 104 6.98 2.22 E. World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities 1. How frequently do you consult World Bank Group’s knowledge work and Percentage of Respondents activities in the work you do? (N=186) Weekly 4.3% Monthly 11.3% A few times a year 37.1% Rarely 30.6% Never 16.7% In Bulgaria, to what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s Degree knowledge work and activities: (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) N DK Mean SD 2. Are timely 123 21 6.92 2.09 3. Include appropriate level of stakeholder involvement during preparation 127 17 7.03 2.20 4. Are source of relevant information on global good practices 136 9 8.07 1.91 5. Are adequately disseminated 129 13 6.84 2.28 6. Are translated enough into local language 123 22 7.15 2.38 7. Are adaptable to Bulgaria’s specific development challenges and country 123 20 7.06 2.20 circumstances* Overall Evaluations N DK Mean SD 8. Overall, how significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country?* (1-Not 134 15 6.90 1.90 significant at all, 10-Very significant) 9. Overall, how would you rate the technical quality of the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities?* (1-Very low technical quality, 10-Very high technical 133 13 7.89 1.90 quality) 34 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria F. The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Bulgaria 1. Which of the following SHOULD the WBG do to improve its advice and Percentage of Respondents guidance in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=179) Be more willing to criticize government policies and reform efforts 58.7% Increase the level of country specific expertise 54.2% Increase emphasis on capacity development 48.0% Be more sensitive toward political and social realities 37.4% Provide financial support to investment projects using WBG procurement 34.1% Be less influenced by external partners 8.9% Other 6.1% 2. In addition to its regular relations, which THREE of the following should the Percentage of Respondents World Bank Group collaborate with more in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=182) Academia/think tanks/research institutes 57.1% Civil Society 54.9% Local government 45.1% Private sector 41.8% Parliament 23.1% Media 23.1% External partners/EU community 11.5% Other 3.8% Don’t know 3.8% 3. In which of the following areas do you believe the World Bank Group should provide most of its resources when it comes to providing support to the Percentage of Respondents refugees in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 2) (Responses Combined; N=185) Labor market engagement 44.9% Education 43.8% Health 26.5% Housing and related municipal services 25.4% Social assistance 22.2% Access to finance 15.1% Don’t know 8.1% 4. Which THREE areas below would benefit most from the World Bank Group’s support to help ensure that Bulgaria has fair and equitable access to the vaccines necessary to alter the course of the COVID-18 pandemic? (Choose no Percentage of Respondents more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=176) Help to strengthen health systems 80.1% Support community and stakeholder engagement to address misinformation and stigma 71.0% Training health workers 39.2% Assess country’s readiness for vaccine distribution 16.5% Support the distribution of vaccines 15.3% Support the purchase of vaccines 6.8% Other 6.3% 35 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria G. Communication and Information Sharing 1. Which would you say are your MAIN sources of news about economic and Percentage of Respondents social development issues in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=187) National televisions 72.7% Social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Telegram, TikTok) 62.0% Websites/apps of local newspapers/magazines 41.7% National radios news programs 26.7% Websites/apps of local TV 22.5% Other 12.3% Blogs 9.1% Printed local newspapers 8.0% Websites/apps of local radio companies 3.7% 2. How would you prefer to obtain information about the World Bank Group Percentage of Respondents and its work? (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=185) e-Newsletters 52.4% World Bank Group’s publications and other written materials 47.6% World Bank Group’s seminars/workshops/ conferences 41.1% Direct contact with World Bank Group (i.e., face to face meetings/discussions) 34.1% World Bank Group’s website 31.4% Webinars or online events hosted by the World Bank Group 28.1% World Bank Group’s social media 18.5% Interviews and press conferences for the Bulgarian media 13.0% World Bank Group’s blogs 6.5% 3. What do you use primarily when visiting a World Bank Group website? Percentage of Respondents (Select only 1 response) (N=186) Computer/laptop 75.8% Mobile 12.4% I never visit the WBG websites 11.8% 4. Over the past SIX MONTHS, on average how Percentage of Respondents often did you do any of the following related to the Every few Every few Every few World Bank Group (WBG)? N days weeks months Not at all Read, viewed or heard a story about the WBG in local 175 2.3% 13.7% 54.3% 29.7% media (newspaper, magazine, TV, radio) Read, viewed or heard a story about the WBG in global 175 2.9% 22.9% 43.4% 30.9% media (newspaper, magazine, TV, radio) Interacted with the WBG on Social Media (e.g., read a post 169 1.8% 7.7% 26.0% 64.5% or tweet, liked, commented, shared, retweeted) Visited a WBG website (e.g., read a blog, used data) 175 6.3% 16.6% 51.4% 25.7% Attended an event/conference hosted by the WBG 167 1.2% 3.0% 31.7% 64.1% Attended/participated in a webinar or online event hosted 170 0.6% 4.7% 30.6% 64.1% by the WBG Read some or all of a WBG research paper or publication 175 3.4% 13.1% 57.1% 26.3% Met professionally with WBG staff 168 1.8% 7.1% 33.3% 57.7% Read a WBG e-newsletter 169 1.8% 4.7% 29.0% 64.5% 36 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria H. Background Information 1. Please identify the primary specialization of your work. (Select only 1 Percentage of Respondents response) (N=187) Other 13.4% Generalist (specialized in multiple sectors) 11.8% Education 10.7% Finance and markets 9.1% Governance, anti-corruption 8.6% Macroeconomics, fiscal management 7.5% Digital development and technology (ICT) 5.9% Environment, natural resources 4.8% Social protection 4.3% Health, nutrition 3.2% Urban development 3.2% Communications, public affairs 2.7% Poverty 2.1% Agriculture, rural development 2.1% Fragility, conflict, violence, refugees 2.1% Jobs 1.6% Energy 1.6% Water, sanitation 1.1% Transport 1.1% Demographics, migration 1.1% Trade and competitiveness 1.1% Climate change 0.5% Gender 0.5% Tourism 0.0% Percentage of Respondents 2. What’s your gender? (N=187) Female 51.9% Male 48.1% Percentage of Respondents 3. Within your organization, would you describe yourself as …. (N=186) Junior level 0.5% Mid-level staff 9.7% Mid-level decision-maker / manager 30.1% Senior level 59.7% Percentage of Respondents 4. What’s your age? (N=186) 25 and under 0.0% 26-35 7.0% 36-45 27.4% 46-55 42.5% 56 and above 23.1% Percentage of Respondents 5. Which best represents your geographic location? (N=187) Capital 84.5% Big city, regional center 11.8% Smaller town 3.7% 37 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria Appendix B: Responses to Selected Questions by Stakeholder Groups  Office of President/Chief Minister/Minister/Parliamentarian N=24  Employee of a Ministry/PMU/Consultant N=46  Local Government Office or Staff N=12  Independent Government Institution/State-Owned Enterprise (Other Government Institutions) N=12  Private Sector Organization/Financial Sector/Private Bank (Private Sector) N=18  Private Foundation/NGO/Community Based Organization/Professional/Trade association (CSO) N=51  Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank (Academia) N=30  Media N=10  Other9 N=6 Background Information Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Group (IBRD, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in your country?* Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private Percentage of Respondents Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other Yes 62.5% 54.3% 58.3% 66.7% 36.8% 27.5% 13.3% 70.0% 83.3% No 37.5% 45.7% 41.7% 33.3% 63.2% 72.5% 86.7% 30.0% 16.7% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups If yes, which of the following agencies of the World Bank Group do you primarily collaborate/work with in Bulgaria? (Select only 1 response) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private Percentage of Respondents Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other The World Bank (IBRD) 93.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 92.9% 75.0% 100.0% 100.0% The International Finance Corporation (IFC) 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 7.1% 25.0% 0.0% 0.0% The Multilateral Investment Guarantee 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Agency (MIGA) International Centre for Settlement of 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Investment Disputes (ICSID) A. Overall Context In general, would you say that Bulgaria is headed in ...? Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private Percentage of Respondents Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other The right direction* 83.3% 68.9% 41.7% 83.3% 84.2% 72.5% 70.0% 20.0% 66.7% The wrong direction 4.2% 2.2% 16.7% 0.0% 0.0% 7.8% 10.0% 30.0% 16.7% Not sure 12.5% 28.9% 41.7% 16.7% 15.8% 18.6% 20.0% 50.0% 16.7% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 9 Includes the following categories: Multilateral Agency (N=5) and Other (N=1). There were no respondents from the judicial system, bilateral agencies, faith-based groups, and youth groups. 38 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria A. Overall Context (continued) Please identify which of the following development priorities you consider the most important in Bulgaria. (Choose no more than 5) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Percentage of Respondents Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private (Responses combined) Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other Trade and exports 8.3% 6.7% 0.0% 8.3% 5.6% 3.9% 3.3% 10.0% 0.0% Education and Innovations* 66.7% 57.8% 33.3% 50.0% 72.2% 78.4% 83.3% 90.0% 83.3% Equality of opportunity and gender* 8.3% 2.2% 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% 11.8% 3.3% 0.0% 50.0% Economic growth* 62.5% 60.0% 75.0% 58.3% 66.7% 43.1% 36.7% 20.0% 16.7% Climate change and green deal 4.2% 17.8% 8.3% 8.3% 11.1% 27.5% 10.0% 10.0% 33.3% Governance 50.0% 33.3% 50.0% 58.3% 44.4% 54.9% 20.0% 50.0% 50.0% Convergence of living standards with EU 25.0% 37.8% 41.7% 25.0% 22.2% 23.5% 53.3% 10.0% 50.0% Energy and energy efficiency 41.7% 22.2% 50.0% 25.0% 22.2% 35.3% 43.3% 40.0% 16.7% Public financial management 8.3% 13.3% 25.0% 33.3% 22.2% 7.8% 20.0% 20.0% 0.0% Social protection* 12.5% 26.7% 8.3% 25.0% 0.0% 18.6% 16.7% 20.0% 66.7% Basic infrastructure and transport 25.0% 11.1% 41.7% 25.0% 11.1% 15.7% 26.7% 30.0% 0.0% Law and justice 50.0% 42.2% 33.3% 83.3% 50.0% 66.7% 53.3% 80.0% 50.0% Global pandemics 0.0% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Financial Sector* 8.3% 2.2% 25.0% 25.0% 22.2% 2.0% 10.0% 10.0% 0.0% Rural development 12.5% 6.7% 16.7% 0.0% 11.1% 13.7% 16.7% 0.0% 0.0% Healthcare 45.8% 42.2% 33.3% 25.0% 38.9% 54.9% 53.3% 50.0% 66.7% Water and sanitation 0.0% 8.9% 16.7% 0.0% 5.6% 2.0% 3.3% 10.0% 0.0% Agriculture 20.8% 11.1% 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% 2.0% 10.0% 20.0% 0.0% Disaster Management 0.0% 11.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.9% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% Job creation/employment 12.5% 26.7% 33.3% 8.3% 16.7% 21.6% 23.3% 10.0% 16.7% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups When economic and/or social reform efforts fail or are slow to take place in Bulgaria, which of the following would you attribute this to? (Choose no more than 2) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Percentage of Respondents Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private (Responses combined) Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other Political pressures and obstacles 33.3% 33.3% 16.7% 25.0% 40.0% 31.4% 30.0% 30.0% 33.3% Inadequate external partners/EU support 4.2% 2.2% 8.3% 0.0% 6.7% 3.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Pressure from outside interest groups 37.5% 22.2% 8.3% 16.7% 13.3% 7.8% 23.3% 20.0% 16.7% Corruption* 33.3% 31.1% 25.0% 16.7% 53.3% 64.7% 40.0% 60.0% 50.0% Inadequate capacity in the government 25.0% 31.1% 41.7% 33.3% 53.3% 39.2% 36.7% 60.0% 50.0% Inadequate citizen/civil society participation 29.2% 15.6% 33.3% 25.0% 6.7% 17.6% 30.0% 10.0% 0.0% Reforms are not well thought out in light of 16.7% 35.6% 50.0% 66.7% 26.7% 33.3% 33.3% 20.0% 33.3% country challenges Other 12.5% 6.7% 8.3% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 3.3% 0.0% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 39 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria A. Overall Context (continued) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean To what extent do you trust the World Bank Group 21 7.10 38 6.53 11 8.18 9 7.78 13 7.15 43 6.93 23 7.04 8 5.62 6 7.33 to do what is right? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) B. Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Bulgaria? (1-Not familiar at all, 10-Extremely familiar) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean The World Bank (IBRD)* 23 7.43 46 6.87 12 6.25 12 6.67 18 5.94 49 5.37 30 5.37 9 6.78 6 7.00 The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the 23 4.78 42 3.67 12 4.08 12 5.67 14 4.86 49 3.45 30 3.67 9 5.22 6 4.17 World Bank Group’s private sector arm *Significantly different between stakeholder groups To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the World Bank Group’s work in Bulgaria? (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Overall, the World Bank Group currently plays a 22 7.32 42 7.07 11 6.27 11 7.64 16 6.06 37 6.38 22 6.27 7 6.57 5 8.00 relevant role in development in Bulgaria The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what 22 6.86 39 7.38 10 6.40 11 8.09 12 6.75 37 6.51 21 6.57 7 6.71 4 8.00 I consider the development priorities for Bulgaria Overall, please rate your impression of the effectiveness of these organizations in Bulgaria. (1-Not effective at all, 10-Very effective) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean The World Bank (IBRD) 22 7.14 44 7.18 8 7.00 10 8.20 16 6.50 36 6.81 23 5.96 8 6.38 6 7.50 The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the 17 6.18 24 6.54 6 6.50 9 7.44 12 5.42 25 5.68 15 5.60 8 5.75 3 8.00 World Bank Group’s private sector arm 40 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria B. Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group (continued) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work 23 6.61 42 6.74 7 7.00 11 7.91 15 6.33 35 6.80 21 5.86 6 6.33 5 7.80 help to achieve development results in Bulgaria? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean To what extent does the World Bank Group 23 6.39 36 6.47 8 5.38 12 6.83 12 5.75 36 6.14 22 5.59 7 3.86 5 7.80 influence the development agenda in Bulgaria?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) *Significantly different between stakeholder groups When thinking about how the World Bank Group can have the most impact on development results in Bulgaria, which sectors do you believe the World Bank Group should prioritize with its resources (financial and knowledge services) in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 5) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Percentage of Respondents Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private (Responses combined) Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other Global pandemics 0.0% 11.6% 10.0% 16.7% 0.0% 2.2% 7.1% 0.0% 0.0% Trade and exports 0.0% 14.0% 10.0% 8.3% 0.0% 4.3% 3.6% 0.0% 16.7% Public financial management 21.7% 27.9% 30.0% 41.7% 40.0% 26.1% 25.0% 33.3% 66.7% Agriculture 8.7% 4.7% 0.0% 0.0% 13.3% 6.5% 17.9% 22.2% 0.0% Convergence of living standards with EU 17.4% 27.9% 30.0% 25.0% 26.7% 28.3% 35.7% 22.2% 0.0% Climate change and green deal 30.4% 27.9% 0.0% 8.3% 13.3% 18.6% 25.0% 22.2% 50.0% Basic infrastructure and transport* 26.1% 7.0% 40.0% 33.3% 6.7% 26.1% 25.0% 55.6% 0.0% Education and Innovations 65.2% 51.2% 50.0% 16.7% 46.7% 63.0% 71.4% 33.3% 66.7% Social protection* 8.7% 16.3% 10.0% 33.3% 13.3% 18.6% 21.4% 0.0% 66.7% Healthcare* 65.2% 32.6% 20.0% 41.7% 26.7% 39.1% 17.9% 44.4% 50.0% Energy and energy efficiency 43.5% 27.9% 50.0% 25.0% 46.7% 21.7% 28.6% 22.2% 16.7% Disaster Management 0.0% 9.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 10.9% 10.7% 22.2% 0.0% Financial Sector 17.4% 9.3% 30.0% 25.0% 26.7% 10.9% 25.0% 0.0% 33.3% Water and sanitation 4.3% 9.3% 30.0% 8.3% 6.7% 8.7% 10.7% 33.3% 16.7% Rural development 21.7% 9.3% 30.0% 8.3% 26.7% 21.7% 10.7% 22.2% 0.0% Economic growth 56.5% 58.1% 60.0% 33.3% 53.3% 30.4% 32.1% 22.2% 33.3% Equality of opportunity and gender 4.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 6.7% 17.4% 3.6% 11.1% 16.7% Law and justice 30.4% 23.3% 10.0% 66.7% 40.0% 43.5% 28.6% 33.3% 16.7% Job creation/employment* 8.7% 14.0% 40.0% 0.0% 6.7% 10.9% 28.6% 0.0% 16.7% Governance 13.0% 34.9% 30.0% 41.7% 26.7% 45.7% 46.4% 22.2% 16.7% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 41 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria C. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean To what extent do you believe the World Bank Group’s staff is well prepared to help Bulgaria 22 7.36 43 7.77 6 7.17 10 8.10 15 8.07 34 7.50 18 7.11 5 7.20 5 8.60 solve its most complicated development challenges? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Bulgaria, in terms of each of the following? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Collaboration with the private sector* 19 6.42 27 7.04 6 6.17 10 7.90 10 4.80 26 5.81 14 5.93 7 5.57 3 8.00 Being inclusive 20 6.55 32 7.47 6 7.17 10 7.90 10 6.20 35 6.54 17 6.76 7 6.29 6 7.83 Straightforwardness and honesty 20 6.80 38 7.45 6 7.67 7 8.14 10 7.30 34 7.62 20 5.95 4 7.00 6 7.83 Access to WBG staff and experts 19 7.00 35 7.80 6 7.00 9 7.78 11 7.18 32 7.12 18 6.44 6 7.00 6 7.83 Being a long-term partner 20 7.85 39 8.31 7 8.43 9 8.89 14 7.71 37 7.92 19 7.26 8 7.50 6 8.83 Responsiveness to needs 20 7.70 38 7.84 6 7.50 9 8.00 10 6.40 34 6.68 18 5.94 5 6.60 6 7.67 Collaboration with the Government* 20 7.90 39 8.10 6 7.83 9 8.89 9 6.56 37 7.32 21 7.10 8 7.50 6 7.83 Flexibility when circumstances change 19 7.00 35 7.69 6 7.50 9 8.33 9 5.67 31 6.39 16 6.56 5 7.40 5 7.20 Collaboration with civil society 18 6.78 27 7.22 6 6.00 10 8.40 10 5.60 34 6.26 19 6.42 6 6.33 5 7.80 Treating clients and stakeholders in Bulgaria with 21 8.19 37 8.35 6 7.33 9 8.78 10 7.10 33 8.00 16 7.31 5 7.80 6 7.83 respect Openness (sharing data and other information) 19 7.74 40 8.35 7 8.29 10 8.60 11 7.82 36 7.31 20 7.00 8 7.88 6 8.33 Collaboration with other external partners and EU 19 7.95 33 8.33 7 8.29 10 8.60 8 7.38 31 7.23 13 7.31 7 7.71 5 8.40 *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 42 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria C. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground (continued) To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean The World Bank Group takes decisions quickly in 18 6.67 29 7.31 6 6.67 9 7.33 9 4.67 22 5.77 14 5.71 4 4.00 2 8.00 Bulgaria* The World Bank Group’s approvals and reviews 20 7.05 29 7.48 6 6.50 10 7.40 9 5.00 27 6.96 15 5.93 6 4.50 2 8.50 are done in a timely fashion* The World Bank Group’s conditions on its lending 16 6.94 18 7.22 5 7.40 7 7.57 12 6.58 17 7.06 13 6.08 4 7.50 1 6.00 are reasonable The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly 15 6.53 13 7.00 5 7.00 8 7.12 9 5.78 13 6.46 11 5.64 4 6.25 1 6.00 The World Bank Group’s Environmental and 17 7.18 22 8.41 7 7.00 10 7.10 9 5.89 24 7.17 14 6.36 6 6.00 1 6.00 Social Framework requirements are reasonable* The World Bank Group insists on accountability through its lending (e.g., performance-based 16 7.62 26 8.88 7 8.43 11 8.27 10 7.70 30 8.27 17 7.59 4 8.75 3 8.67 financing/resources tied to results) The World Bank Group measures results 18 7.56 33 7.91 6 7.50 9 8.22 9 6.22 28 8.00 19 7.37 5 7.40 4 9.25 effectively Working with the World Bank Group increases 19 7.53 37 7.97 6 7.50 11 8.27 11 7.73 35 8.20 20 7.20 6 6.50 6 8.17 Bulgaria’s institutional capacity *Significantly different between stakeholder groups How familiar are you with the following financial products of World Bank Group? (1-Not familiar at all, 10-Extremely familiar) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Investment Project Financing (IPF) 21 5.00 46 5.74 10 5.30 11 4.82 13 4.23 45 3.47 26 4.00 9 3.89 6 3.00 Program-for-Results (PFR)* 21 5.86 44 5.55 10 5.40 11 5.27 17 4.41 44 3.41 25 3.40 9 4.22 6 2.83 Development Policy Financing (DPF)* 21 5.81 44 5.77 10 4.90 11 6.18 13 3.54 44 3.27 25 3.12 9 3.33 6 2.83 DPF with CAT-DDO - Catastrophe Deferred 21 3.95 44 4.41 10 4.50 11 3.27 13 2.77 43 2.26 24 3.29 9 2.22 6 1.83 Drawdown Option *Significantly different between stakeholder groups To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the World Bank Group in Bulgaria? (1- Strongly disagree, 10- Strongly agree) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean The World Bank Group meets Bulgaria’ needs for 18 7.44 44 7.64 7 6.86 10 7.70 11 6.82 30 7.37 18 6.89 6 5.33 6 7.33 knowledge services 43 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria C. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground (continued) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean To what extent do you believe that Bulgaria received value for money from the World Bank 15 6.40 36 7.03 6 6.67 9 7.67 8 6.88 21 6.86 15 6.80 3 7.00 5 6.80 Group’s Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS)? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) E. World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities How frequently do you consult World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities in the work you do? Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private Percentage of Respondents Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other Weekly* 0.0% 10.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 22.2% 16.7% Monthly 5.3% 10.9% 10.0% 36.4% 5.9% 11.9% 11.5% 11.1% 0.0% A few times a year 52.6% 45.7% 10.0% 18.2% 35.3% 38.1% 23.1% 33.3% 66.7% Rarely 31.6% 21.7% 40.0% 36.4% 41.2% 28.6% 38.5% 33.3% 16.7% Never 10.5% 10.9% 40.0% 9.1% 17.6% 21.4% 26.9% 0.0% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups In Bulgaria, to what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities: (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Are adaptable to Bulgaria’s specific development 15 7.67 33 7.18 5 5.80 9 7.78 9 5.89 25 6.96 16 6.88 6 6.83 5 7.80 challenges and country circumstances Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/ PMU/ Local Government Private Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Overall, how significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work 14 7.43 36 7.00 6 6.17 10 6.90 10 5.70 29 7.10 17 6.65 7 6.43 5 8.20 and activities make to development results in your country? Overall, how would you rate the technical quality of the World Bank Group's knowledge work and 15 7.87 39 7.79 6 6.50 10 8.60 8 7.75 25 8.20 19 7.58 6 8.17 5 8.60 activities? (1-Not significant at all, 10-Very significant; 1-Very low technical quality, 10-Very high technical quality) 44 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria F. The Future Role of The World Bank Group in Bulgaria Which of the following SHOULD the WBG do to improve its advice and guidance in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Percentage of Respondents Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private (Responses combined) Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other Increase the level of country specific 29.2% 69.6% 16.7% 41.7% 31.6% 39.2% 53.3% 60.0% 50.0% expertise* Be less influenced by external partners 8.3% 2.2% 16.7% 16.7% 5.3% 7.8% 10.0% 10.0% 0.0% Be more willing to criticize government 50.0% 45.7% 58.3% 50.0% 47.4% 51.0% 50.0% 80.0% 16.7% policies and reform efforts Increase emphasis on capacity development 25.0% 47.8% 25.0% 58.3% 31.6% 41.2% 46.7% 30.0% 66.7% Be more sensitive toward political and social 41.7% 15.2% 33.3% 16.7% 21.1% 41.2% 46.7% 40.0% 16.7% realities* Provide financial support to investment 16.7% 28.3% 50.0% 50.0% 36.8% 21.6% 33.3% 20.0% 33.3% projects using WBG procurement Other 8.3% 2.2% 8.3% 0.0% 10.5% 9.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups In addition to its regular relations, which THREE of the following should the World Bank Group collaborate with more in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Percentage of Respondents Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private (Responses combined) Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other Private sector 36.8% 28.9% 40.0% 72.7% 69.2% 37.2% 48.1% 44.4% 40.0% External partners/EU community 5.3% 11.1% 10.0% 9.1% 15.4% 23.3% 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% Civil Society* 47.4% 33.3% 60.0% 54.5% 38.5% 81.4% 66.7% 44.4% 40.0% Local government 52.6% 60.0% 60.0% 45.5% 30.8% 37.2% 25.9% 55.6% 40.0% Parliament* 47.4% 33.3% 20.0% 18.2% 38.5% 4.7% 14.8% 11.1% 40.0% Media 21.1% 11.1% 10.0% 27.3% 15.4% 32.6% 22.2% 55.6% 40.0% Academia/think tanks/research institutes* 42.1% 51.1% 50.0% 54.5% 38.5% 58.1% 100.0% 44.4% 20.0% Other 0.0% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 15.4% 4.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Don’t know 10.5% 4.4% 0.0% 0.0% 7.7% 0.0% 0.0% 11.1% 20.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 45 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria G. Communication and Information Sharing Which would you say are your MAIN sources of news about economic and social development issues in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Percentage of Respondents Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private (Responses combined) Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other National televisions 84.2% 73.9% 100.0% 72.7% 52.9% 65.1% 74.1% 77.8% 80.0% National radios news programs 31.6% 26.1% 20.0% 27.3% 23.5% 25.6% 37.0% 22.2% 0.0% Printed local newspapers 15.8% 4.3% 20.0% 0.0% 5.9% 2.3% 14.8% 22.2% 0.0% Websites/apps of local TV* 21.1% 13.0% 40.0% 63.6% 29.4% 11.6% 29.6% 33.3% 0.0% Websites/apps of local radio companies 0.0% 2.2% 0.0% 9.1% 0.0% 4.7% 3.7% 11.1% 20.0% Websites/apps of local 42.1% 18.6% 20.0% 27.3% 41.2% 62.8% 51.9% 55.6% 60.0% newspapers/magazines* Social media* 78.9% 60.9% 90.0% 54.5% 23.5% 74.4% 55.6% 44.4% 60.0% Blogs 10.5% 8.7% 10.0% 0.0% 5.9% 16.3% 3.7% 11.1% 0.0% Other* 0.0% 17.4% 0.0% 9.1% 41.2% 11.6% 3.7% 11.1% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups How would you prefer to obtain information about the World Bank Group and its work? (Choose no more than 3) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Percentage of Respondents Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private (Responses combined) Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other World Bank Group’s publications and other 47.4% 54.5% 20.0% 45.5% 52.9% 44.2% 40.7% 55.6% 80.0% written materials e-Newsletters 57.9% 52.3% 50.0% 54.5% 52.9% 46.5% 66.7% 55.6% 0.0% World Bank Group’s seminars/workshops/ 52.6% 38.6% 80.0% 63.6% 41.2% 30.2% 40.7% 22.2% 20.0% conferences World Bank Group’s blogs 5.3% 11.4% 0.0% 0.0% 5.9% 4.7% 7.4% 11.1% 0.0% World Bank Group’s social media 31.6% 15.9% 10.0% 18.2% 11.8% 32.6% 11.1% 0.0% 20.0% Direct contact with World Bank Group* 26.3% 31.8% 60.0% 18.2% 52.9% 41.9% 3.7% 55.6% 60.0% World Bank Group’s website 42.1% 27.3% 30.0% 54.5% 23.5% 30.2% 37.0% 11.1% 20.0% Webinars or online events hosted by the 10.5% 22.7% 50.0% 0.0% 23.5% 41.9% 29.6% 22.2% 60.0% World Bank Group* Interviews and press conferences for the 10.5% 0.0% 0.0% 9.1% 11.8% 11.6% 37.0% 44.4% 0.0% Bulgarian media* *Significantly different between stakeholder groups What do you use primarily when visiting a World Bank Group website? (Select only 1 response) Office of President/ Employee of a Other Minister/ Ministry/PMU/ Local Government Private Percentage of Respondents Parliamentarian Consultant Government Institutions Sector CSO Academia Media Other Mobile* 31.6% 8.7% 20.0% 36.4% 5.9% 9.3% 7.7% 0.0% 0.0% Computer/laptop 63.2% 84.8% 60.0% 54.5% 70.6% 76.7% 73.1% 100.0% 100.0% I never visit the WBG websites 5.3% 6.5% 20.0% 9.1% 23.5% 14.0% 18.2% 0.0% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder group 46 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria Appendix C: Methodology From May to June 2022, 449 stakeholders of the WBG in Bulgaria were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work in the country by participating in a Country Opinion Survey. Participants were drawn from the Office of the President, Prime Minister; office of a minister; office of a member of parliamentarian/legislative body; ministries, ministerial departments, and implementation agencies; project management units (PMUs) overseeing implementation of WBG projects; consultants and contractors working on WBG-supported projects and programs; local governments; independent government institutions; the judicial system; state-owned enterprises; bilateral and multilateral agencies; private sector organizations; the financial sector and private banks; private foundations; NGOs and community based organizations; professional and trade associations; faith-based groups; youth groups; from the academia, research institutes, and think tanks; the media; and other organizations. A total of 210 stakeholders participated in the survey (47% response rate). Respondents completed the questionnaire via an online platform. Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions that will be aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard. These questions are identified throughout the survey report. Note that the body of the report presents data on selected questions of the survey questionnaire. Please refer to Appendix A for data on all survey questions. Appendices B and C present data on selected questions. Additional data breakdowns are available upon request. 47 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria Year comparison The results in this year’s Country Survey were compared to those in the Country Survey conducted in FY’ 18 (response rate was 79%, N=396). Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflect changes in attitudes over time, but also changes in respondent samples and changes to the survey instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response scales/options were analyzed. Original Distribution Percentage of Respondents FY 2018 FY 2022 Office of the President; Office of the Prime Minister; Office 6.8% 8.0% of Minister Office of Parliamentarian 7.6% 3.7% Government Institutions (includes employees of ministries, PMUs/Consultants on WBG-supported projects, 25.1% 23.9% independent government institutions, and the judiciary) Local Government Office or Staff 9.2% 11.3% Bilateral/Multilateral Agency (e.g., embassy, diplomatic, 3.5% 1.2% military; UN, regional development bank) Civil Society (includes NGOs/CBOs, private foundations, 22.2% 25.8% youth groups, trade associations, and faith-based groups) Private Sector (includes private sector organization and 11.1% 6.4% financial sector/private banks) Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 7.0% 12.0% Media 7.6% 7.7% Total Number of Respondents (Un-Weighted) 370 326 (Note, stakeholders who identified themselves as “Other” in the stakeholder category options were not included in these comparisons.) In FY’ 22, respondents who indicated little or no familiarity with the World Bank and IFC (a rating of 1 or 2 out of 10) were not asked questions in sections C and D. Furthermore, respondents who reported never using WBG’s knowledge products (questions E1, option 5), were not asked questions E2-E9. For year comparison, the 2018 data was edited accordingly for consistency. 48 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria Stakeholder analysis For the analysis by stakeholder group (Appendix B), responses to the question “Which of the following best describes your current affiliation?” were recoded: Option Valid Which of the following best describes your current position? n Recoded n recoded code Percent 1 Office of the President, Prime Minister 3 1.4% 1 2 Office of a Minister 16 7.6% 1 24 3 Office of a member of Parliament/Legislative body 5 2.4% 1 Employee of Ministry, Ministerial Department, 4 Implementation Agency 44 21.0% 2 46 Project Management Unit (PMU) overseeing implementation 5 of WBG project/Consultant/Contractor working on WBG 2 1.0% 2 6 supported project/program Local Government Office or Staff 12 5.7% 3 12 Independent Government Institution (i.e., regulatory agency, 7 7 3.3% 4 central bank/oversight institution) 8 Judicial System (e.g., courts) 0 - 12 9 State-Owned Enterprise 5 2.4% 4 10 Bilateral Agency (e.g., embassy, diplomatic, military) 0 - - 11 Multilateral Agency (UN, regional development bank) 5 2.4% 9 12 Private Sector Organization 11 5.2% 5 19 13 Financial Sector/Private Bank 8 3.8% 5 Private Foundation (e.g., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 14 Rockefeller Foundation) 3 1.4% 6 NGO/Community Based Organization 51 15 45 21.4% 6 16 Professional/Trade association 3 1.4% 6 17 Faith-Based Group 0 - - 18 Youth Group 0 - - 19 Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 30 14.3% 7 30 20 Media (press, radio, TV, web, etc.) 10 4.8% 8 10 21 Other 1 0.5% 9 6 Total 210 100% - 210 49 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria Appendix D: Bulgaria FY22 COS Questionnaire World Bank Group Country Survey FY 2022 – Bulgaria The World Bank Group is interested in gauging the views of clients and partners who are either involved in development in Bulgaria or who observe activities related to social and economic development. The following survey will give the World Bank Group’s team that works in Bulgaria, greater insight into how the Bank’s work is perceived. This is one tool the World Bank Group uses to assess the views of its stakeholders, and to develop more effective strategies that support development in Bulgaria. A local independent firm has been hired to oversee the logistics of this survey. This ensures anonymity and confidentiality. We hope you’ll be candid. Finally, the survey relates to the World Bank Group’s work. The World Bank Group consists of IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID. When responding to the survey, please consider the area of the World Bank Group with which you are most familiar. To complete the survey, please circle/check the response that most accurately reflects your opinion. We ask you to please answer all questions on the very first page. If you prefer not to answer any question on other pages, please leave it blank. If you feel that you do not have an adequate amount of information on a subject, please check “Don’t know”. PLEASE NOTE: IN SOME CASES, THE SURVEY WILL ASK FOR A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF RESPONSES. PLEASE DO NOT CHOOSE ANY MORE THAN REQUESTED. IF MORE RESPONSES ARE CHOSEN, DATA CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN ANALYSIS. 50 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria BACKGROUND INFORMATION Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 1 Office of the President, Prime Minister 12 Private Sector Organization 2 Office of a Minister 13 Financial Sector/Private Bank Private Foundation (e.g., Bill & Melinda Gates 3 Office of a member of Parliament/Legislative body 14 Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation) Employee of Ministry, Ministerial Department, 4 15 NGO/Community Based Organization Implementation Agency Project Management Unit (PMU) overseeing implementation of WBG project/ 5 16 Professional/Trade association Consultant/Contractor working on WBG supported project/program 6 Local Government Office or Staff 17 Faith-Based Group Independent Government Institution (i.e., regulatory 7 18 Youth Group agency, central bank/oversight institution) 8 Judicial System (e.g., courts) 18 Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 9 State-Owned Enterprise 20 Media (press, radio, TV, web, etc.) 10 Bilateral Agency (e.g., embassy, diplomatic, military) 21 Other (please specify): _____________________ 11 Multilateral Agency (UN, regional development bank) Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Group (IBRD, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in your country? (If you answered NO to this question, please proceed to the next page) 1 Yes 2 No If yes, which of the following agencies of the World Bank Group do you primarily collaborate/work with in Bulgaria? (Select only 1 response) 1 The World Bank (IBRD) 2 The International Finance Corporation (IFC) 3 The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) 4 International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) 51 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION A: OVERALL CONTEXT A1. In general, would you say that Bulgaria is headed in ... ? 1 The right direction 2 The wrong direction 3 Not sure A2. Do you think that economic opportunity for citizens in Bulgaria is … ? 1 Increasing 2 Decreasing 3 Staying about the same A3. Please identify which of the following development priorities you consider the most important in Bulgaria. (Choose no more than 5) Basic infrastructure and transport (e.g., roads, 1 Trade and exports 11 bridges, transportation) 2 Education and Innovations 12 Law and justice (e.g., judicial system) 3 Equality of opportunity and gender (i.e., equity) 13 Global pandemics (e.g., COVID-18) 4 Economic growth 14 Financial Sector Climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation) and 5 15 Rural development green deal 6 Governance (i.e., government effectiveness) 16 Healthcare 7 Convergence of living standards with EU 17 Water and sanitation 8 Energy and energy efficiency 18 Agriculture Public financial management (e.g., public 9 18 Disaster Management expenditure, fiscal system reform) Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social 10 20 Job creation/employment assistance) 52 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION A: OVERALL CONTEXT A4. When economic and/or social reform efforts fail or are slow to take place in Bulgaria, which of the following would you attribute this to? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Political pressures and obstacles 2 Inadequate external partners/EU support 3 Pressure from outside interest groups (e.g., private sector, unions) 4 Corruption 5 Inadequate capacity in the government 6 Inadequate citizen/civil society participation 7 Reforms are not well thought out in light of country challenges 8 Other (please specify): ________________________________________ A5. To what extent, do you trust each of the following groups to do what is right? To no degree To a very significant Don't at all degree know 1 The national government 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  2 Parliament 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  3 EU institutions (incl. EC and EU Parliament) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  4 The World Bank Group 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  5 The International Monetary Fund 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  6 The United Nations (UN) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  7 The World Health Organization (WHO) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  8 Bulgaria’s Central Bank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  9 Private Sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  10 Civil Society 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  11 Media 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  12 Academia 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  53 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION B: OVERALL ATTITUDES TOWARD THE WORLD BANK GROUP B1. How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Bulgaria? Not familiar Extremely at all familiar 1 The World Bank (IBRD) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bank Group’s private sector arm To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the World Bank Group’s work in Bulgaria? Strongly Strongly Don't disagree agree know Overall, the World Bank Group currently plays a B2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  relevant role in development in Bulgaria The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I B3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  consider the development priorities for Bulgaria B4. Overall, please rate your impression of the effectiveness of these organizations in Bulgaria. Not effective Very Don't at all effective know 1 The World Bank (IBRD) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Bank Group’s private sector arm B5. To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work help to achieve development results in Bulgaria? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  To no degree at To a very Don't know all significant degree B6. To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Bulgaria? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  To no degree at To a very Don't know all significant degree B7. To what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s work and support help the poorest in Bulgaria? (Select only 1 response) 1 To a fully sufficient degree 2 To a somewhat sufficient degree 3 To a somewhat insufficient degree 4 To a very insufficient degree 5 Don’t know 54 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION B: OVERALL ATTITUDES TOWARD THE WORLD BANK GROUP B8. When thinking about the World Bank Group’s role in Bulgaria, which activity do you VALUE the most? (Choose no more than 2) 1 External partners/EU coordination 2 Formal policy advice, studies, analyses 3 Data and statistics 4 Bringing in the best of global knowledge in policymaking 5 Technical assistance 6 Bringing together different groups of stakeholders 7 Implementation support 8 Financial resources 9 Other (please specify): ________________________ B9. When thinking about how the World Bank Group can have the most impact on development results in Bulgaria, which sectors do you believe the World Bank Group should prioritize with its resources (financial and knowledge services) in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 5) 1 Global pandemics (e.g., COVID-18) 11 Energy and energy efficiency 2 Trade and exports 12 Disaster Management Public financial management (e.g., public 3 13 Financial Sector expenditure, fiscal system reform) 4 Agriculture 14 Water and sanitation 5 Convergence of living standards with EU 15 Rural development Climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation) and 6 16 Economic growth green deal Basic infrastructure and transport (e.g., roads, 7 17 Equality of opportunity and gender (i.e., equity) bridges, transportation) 8 Education and Innovations 18 Law and justice (e.g., judicial system) Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social 9 18 Job creation/employment assistance) 10 Healthcare 20 Governance (i.e., government effectiveness) B10. What do you immediately think of when you hear about the IFC? (Choose no more than 3) 1 Thought leader 9 Investment bank 2 Venture capital 10 Private sector solutions 3 Asset manager 11 Financial advisory solutions 4 Public-private partnerships 12 World Bank 5 Innovation and entrepreneurship 13 None of the above 6 Development institution 14 Don’t know 7 Multi-lateral financial institution 15 Other (please specify): ____________________ 8 Impact investor 55 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION C: WORLD BANK GROUP’S WORK AND ENGAGEMENT ON THE GROUND C1. To what extent do you believe the World Bank Group’s staff is well prepared (e.g., skills mix and knowledge) to help Bulgaria solve its most complicated development challenges? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  To no degree at To a very Don't know all significant degree To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Bulgaria, in terms of each of the following? To no degree To a very significant Don't at all degree know C2 Collaboration with the private sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C3 Being inclusive 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C4 Straightforwardness and honesty 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C5 Access to WBG staff and experts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C6 Being a long-term partner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C7 Responsiveness to needs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C8 Collaboration with the Government 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C9 Flexibility when circumstances change 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C10 Collaboration with civil society 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Treating clients and stakeholders in Bulgaria with C11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  respect C12 Openness (sharing data and other information) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C13 Collaboration with other external partners and EU 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Strongly Strongly Don't disagree agree know The World Bank Group takes decisions quickly in C14 Bulgaria 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  The World Bank Group’s approvals and reviews are C15 done in a timely fashion 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  The World Bank Group’s conditions on its lending are C16 reasonable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C17 The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  The World Bank Group’s Environmental and Social C18 Framework requirements are reasonable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  The World Bank Group insists on accountability C18 through its lending (e.g., performance-based 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  financing/resources tied to results) C20 The World Bank Group measures results effectively 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Working with the World Bank Group increases C21 Bulgaria’s institutional capacity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  56 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION C: WORLD BANK GROUP’S WORK AND ENGAGEMENT ON THE GROUND C22. How familiar are you with the following financial products of World Bank Group? Not familiar Extremely at all familiar 1 Investment Project Financing (IPF) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 Program-for-Results (PFR) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3 Development Policy Financing (DPF) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DPF with CAT-DDO - Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Option To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statement about the World Bank Group in Bulgaria? Strongly Strongly Don't disagree agree know The World Bank Group meets Bulgaria’ needs for C23 knowledge services (e.g., Reimbursable Advisory 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Services, research, analysis, data, technical assistance) C24. To what extent do you believe that Bulgaria received value for money from the World Bank Group’s Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS)? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  To no degree at To a very Don't know all significant degree 57 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION D: WORLD BANK GROUP’S SUPPORT IN DEVELOPMENT AREAS D1. How EFFECTIVE do you believe the World Bank Group is in terms of the work it does in the following areas of development in Bulgaria? (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) Not effective Very Don't at all effective know Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  assistance) 2 Poverty reduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Public sector governance/reform (i.e., government 3 effectiveness, public financial management, public 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  expenditure, fiscal system reform) 4 Equality of opportunity (i.e., social inclusion) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  5 Education 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  6 Science, Technology and Innovation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  7 Climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  8 Energy and decarbonization 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  9 E-government 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  10 Disaster risk management 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  11 Water and sanitation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  12 Economic growth 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  13 Urban development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  14 Transport (e.g., roads, bridges, transportation) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  58 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION E: WORLD BANK GROUP’S KNOWLEDGE WORK AND ACTIVITIES (i.e., analysis, studies, research, data, reports, conferences) E1. How frequently do you consult World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities in the work you do? 1 Weekly 2 Monthly 3 A few times a year 4 Rarely 5 Never In Bulgaria, to what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities: To no degree To a very significant Don't at all degree know E2 Are timely 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Include appropriate level of stakeholder involvement E3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  during preparation Are source of relevant information on global good E4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  practices E5 Are adequately disseminated 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  E6 Are translated enough into local language 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Are adaptable to Bulgaria’s specific development E7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  challenges and country circumstances E8. Overall, how significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Not significant at all Very significant Don't know E9. Overall, how would you rate the technical quality of the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Very low technical Very high technical Don't know quality quality 59 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION F: THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE WORLD BANK GROUP IN BULGARIA F1. Which of the following SHOULD the WBG do to improve its advice and guidance in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) 1 Increase the level of country specific expertise 2 Be less influenced by external partners 3 Be more willing to criticize government policies and reform efforts 4 Increase emphasis on capacity development 5 Be more sensitive toward political and social realities 6 Provide financial support to investment projects using WBG procurement 7 Other (please specify): _________________________________________________ F2. In addition to its regular relations, which THREE of the following should the World Bank Group collaborate with more in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) 1 Private sector 6 Media 2 External partners/EU community 7 Academia/think tanks/research institutes 3 Civil Society 8 Other (please specify): _____________________ 4 Local government 9 Don’t know 5 Parliament F3. In which of the following areas do you believe the World Bank Group should provide most of its resources when it comes to providing support to the refugees in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Labor market engagement 2 Housing and related municipal services 3 Access to finance 4 Education 5 Social assistance 6 Health 7 Other (please specify): ______________________________________________ 8 Don’t know 60 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION F: THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE WORLD BANK GROUP IN BULGARIA F4. Which THREE areas below would benefit most from the World Bank Group’s support to help ensure that Bulgaria has fair and equitable access to the vaccines necessary to alter the course of the COVID-18 pandemic? (Choose no more than 3) 1 Support community and stakeholder engagement to address misinformation and stigma 2 Support the distribution of vaccines 3 Training health workers 4 Support the purchase of vaccines 5 Assess country’s readiness for vaccine distribution 6 Help to strengthen health systems 7 Other (please specify): ________________________________________ 61 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION G: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SHARING G1. Which would you say are your MAIN sources of news about economic and social development issues in Bulgaria? (Choose no more than 3) 1 National televisions 6 Websites/apps of local newspapers/magazines Social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, 2 National radios news programs 7 Telegram, TikTok) 3 Printed local newspapers 8 Blogs 4 Websites/apps of local TV 9 Other (please specify): ____________________ 5 Websites/apps of local radio companies G2. How would you prefer to obtain information about the World Bank Group and its work? (Choose no more than 3) World Bank Group’s publications and other Direct contact with World Bank Group (i.e., face to 1 6 written materials face meetings/discussions) 2 e-Newsletters 7 World Bank Group’s website World Bank Group’s seminars/workshops/ Webinars or online events hosted by the World Bank 3 8 conferences Group 4 World Bank Group’s blogs Interviews and press conferences for the Bulgarian 9 5 World Bank Group’s social media media G3. What do you use primarily when visiting a World Bank Group website? (Select only 1 response) 1 Mobile 2 Computer/laptop 3 I never visit the WBG websites G4. Over the past SIX MONTHS, on average how often did you do any of the following related to the World Bank Group (WBG)? Every few Every few Every few Not days weeks months at all Read, viewed or heard a story about the WBG in local media 1     (newspaper, magazine, TV, radio) Read, viewed or heard a story about the WBG in global media 2     (newspaper, magazine, TV, radio) Interacted with the WBG on Social Media (e.g., read a post or 3     tweet, liked, commented, shared, retweeted) 4 Visited a WBG website (e.g., read a blog, used data)     5 Attended an event/conference hosted by the WBG     Attended/participated in a webinar or online event hosted by the 6     WBG 7 Read some or all of a WBG research paper or publication     8 Met professionally with WBG staff     9 Read a WBG e-newsletter     62 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2022: Bulgaria SECTION H: BACKGROUND INFORMATION H1. Please identify the primary specialization of your work. (Select only 1 response) 1 Poverty 13 Agriculture, rural development 2 Macroeconomics, fiscal management 14 Urban development 3 Governance, anti-corruption 15 Transport 4 Education 16 Digital development and technology (ICT) 5 Health, nutrition 17 Tourism 6 Social protection 18 Fragility, conflict, violence, refugees 7 Jobs 18 Demographics, migration 8 Energy 20 Trade and competitiveness 9 Environment, natural resources 21 Finance and markets 10 Climate change 22 Communications, public affairs 11 Water, sanitation 23 Generalist (specialized in multiple sectors) 12 Gender 24 Other (please specify): ____________________ H2. What’s your gender? 1 Female 2 Male H3. Within your organization, would you describe yourself as …. 1 Junior level 2 Mid-level staff 3 Mid-level decision-maker / manager 4 Senior level H4. What’s your age? 1 25 and under 2 26-35 3 36-45 4 46-55 5 56 and above H5. Which best represents your geographic location? 1 Capital 2 Big city, regional center 3 Smaller town Thank you for completing the survey! 63