The National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) of Bulgaria and the World Bank have entered into a Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) Agreement to enhance the efficiency, governance, and financial sustainability of Bulgaria’s railway infrastructure. The agreement was signed in Sofia on December 9, 2025.
Through this partnership, the World Bank will provide technical advice to NRIC on adopting international best practices in railway governance and financial management. The collaboration also aims to modernize the railway workforce by implementing skills optimization, reskilling, and upskilling programs. These initiatives are designed to help align the workforce with current industry demands and support long-term financial stability.
Jason Brett Pellmar, World Bank Group Country Manager for Bulgaria, stated: “Modern, efficient, and well-governed railway infrastructure is essential for Bulgaria’s economic growth and competitiveness. Through this partnership, the World Bank is committed to supporting NRIC in adopting international best practices, strengthening financial sustainability, and modernizing its workforce. These efforts will not only improve service quality and operational performance but will also contribute directly to Bulgaria’s jobs agenda by fostering new skills, supporting workforce transitions, and creating opportunities for sustainable employment in the rail sector.”
World Bank Reimbursable Advisory Services are non-lending advisory programs that offer technical advice, analytical services, and implementation support primarily to middle- and high-income countries. Under these arrangements, clients reimburse the World Bank for its services. RAS programs assist with designing and implementing complex reforms tailored to country-specific needs through policy advice, analytical work, donor coordination, impact evaluation, program support, training initiatives, knowledge sharing activities, and peer learning.