24.03.2021

Increased resource for youth, entrepreneurship and social measures in the new version of the HRD Program 2021-2027

Measures for youth employment, entrepreneurship and social inclusion of vulnerable groups have more funds in the new version of the Human Resources Development Program 2021-2027. Amendments to the draft HRDP were presented at the seventh meeting of the Thematic Working Group for HRDP development and the Food and Basic Material Support Program for the 2021-2027 programming period. The changes are in line with the comments of the European Commission and the members of the working group.

There is a decline in the activity of young people in the labor market across Europe due to the covid crisis. Therefore, special measures for them, related to training, skills acquisition, inclusion in internships and others that provide more chances for work, will be supported by BGN 747 million. It is expected to cover 96,000 young people under 29. The pandemic crisis calls for greater support for the self-employed in the labor market, entrepreneurship, including social entrepreneurship. The self-employed and entrepreneurs will have access to BGN 90 million for skills acquisition and development of the social economy. More than BGN 1.4 billion have been set aside for social inclusion and equal opportunities.

HRDP 2021-2027 has two main areas of impact - support for the labor market and skills development and social inclusion. Over BGN 2.365 billion will be directed to measures to promote employment, of which over BGN 662 million are set aside for reforming the system of lifelong learning, acquisition of digital competencies, development of skills, including "green", adapting to change, improving working conditions, work-life balance. The measures are expected to reach 818,000 people. Opportunities for qualification, training, subsidized employment, validation of skills, etc. will be available to 258 thousand unemployed people.

The second main priority of HRD 2021-2027 for social inclusion of vulnerable groups allows for the provision of reformed social services and active inclusion of disadvantaged people. Over BGN 514 million will be directed to support in the family and in the community of children and adults, people with disabilities and people in inability to self-care. The measures will allow 114,000 people in need to receive personal care. People with disabilities will also be included in measures aimed at their active participation in the labor market. The focus of the priority for social inclusion is the closure of specialized institutions for people with disabilities and the reform of old people's homes with measures amounting to BGN 484 million. The new version of the HRDP places greater emphasis on the integration of marginalized communities.

The regional approach to Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) will be eligible for the two HRDP priorities. The Managing Authority uses a flexible approach to the implementation of measures, which will be consistent with the activities of ITI-related regional strategies.

The changes in the HRDP 2021-2027 are in line with the texts of the Regulation on the European Social Fund +, which is expected to be adopted by the summer of 2021. The program is complemented by the measures of the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan, which provides support for the establishment of opportunities for more training in the online environment and development of social infrastructure.