The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) draft budget 2002 envisages the separation of the mint from the bank and its transformation into a state-owned joint stock company as of 2002. The measure has already been tabled in Parliament. The move is expected to lead to the mint’s more effective operation and management. With its new status the mint will be able to participate in Bulgarian and foreign tenders. Several big European mints have already showed interest in the Bulgarian mint