EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Vladimir Spidla has signed Bulgaria's Administrative Capacity Operational Programme, the press office of the ministry was quoted by BTA news agency as saying.

The blueprint, drafted by the Ministry of State Administration and Administrative Reform, maps out ways of spending funds from the European Social Fund in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria's administrative capacity budget for the 2007-2013 period is put to 181 million euros.
Projects to benefit from the operational programme will seek to enhance the quality of service both in regard to citizens and business, as well as create preconditions for sustainable growth and employment.

In October, the Ministry of Administration will review the first applications for funds. The first contracts with beneficiaries will be signed before the end of the year.