In the media

European Commission officials are expected to hold talks with government representatives in Bulgaria over the alleged mismanagement of funds in the operational programme Science and Education for Smart Growth in the European Union budget. Bulgaria has received funding for 116 agreements totalling BGN324 million (€165 million or US$174 million), and of these, eight projects have reportedly been found to be mismanaged, with a total budget of BGN180 million (€92 million or US$97 million).

A study from the University of California reveals rankings may be distorted by the business activities of the ranker, including selling consulting, analytics and other services to universities. Findings show that Russian universities using services provided by QS, a major ranking company, have increased their positions in the QS World University Rankings regardless of improvements in the quality of their institutions.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials is investigating Seoul’s education superintendent for abusing his authority following the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea complaint against him. The official undermined transparency and fairness by ordering certain departments to advance the employment of five teachers who were dismissed between July and August in 2018. They had previously worked in his election camp in 2008.