On 31 August 2022, Bulgaria submitted a payment request to the Commission based on the achievement of the 22 milestones and targets selected in the Council Implementing Decision. They cover reforms and investments in the areas of education, smart industry, climate neutrality, digital connectivity, sustainable transport and road safety, justice, anti-money laundering, social inclusion, healthcare, and audit and control. With their request, the Bulgarian authorities provided detailed and comprehensive evidence demonstrating the fulfilment of the 22 milestones and targets. The Commission has now sent its positive preliminary assessment of Bulgaria's fulfilment of the milestones and targets required for this payment to the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC), asking for its opinion. Following the EFC's opinion, the Commission will adopt the final decision on the disbursement of the financial contribution, after which the disbursement to Bulgaria will take place.