13.02.2024
EC APPROVED THE PROJECT OF BULGARIA AND ROMANIA TO STUDY FOR A SECOND BRIDGE OVER THE DANUBE NEAR RUSE
The European Commission gave the green light for the financing of a feasibility study for a new bridge over the Danube near Ruse-Giurgevo in the amount of 6.9 million euros. The total budget of the project is 13.7 million euros, and the rest of the funds will be provided by the budgets of the two countries.
By the middle of the year at the latest, Bulgaria and Romania will sign an agreement with the European Executive Agency for Climate, Infrastructure and Environment to provide the funding. By 2026, the technical, financial, legal and environmental parameters of the project for a new facility must be clarified.
It is planned that the bridge will be combined - road and railway, with a length of about 2 km. The project also covers the construction of the connecting infrastructure in a section of 15 km on the territory of each of the countries. The bridge will also have a direct connection with the Ruse-Veliko Tarnovo highway currently under construction.
Bulgaria and Romania submitted in September 2023 the joint proposal for funding from the Connecting Europe Facility. Based on the results of the pre-project study, a decision will be made about the location and the method of financing the infrastructure facility.
The first bridge over the Danube River between Bulgaria and Romania was built 70 years ago (1954), and the second - in 2013. Since then, the traffic between the two countries has increased tenfold. In view of the future recovery of Ukraine, the flow of cargo in the direction "North-South" is expected to grow even more, making the project strategically important for the entire region.
12.02.2024
WHAT WILL BE THE MOST IN-DEMAND PROFESSIONS IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS
Construction installer, operational accountant, beautician, hairdresser and dental assistant will be among the most sought-after professions in Sofia-city in the next 12 months. This is according to the data from the latest survey of the Employment Agency on the needs of the workforce.
As in previous surveys, employers in almost all areas of the country are having difficulty finding cooks, sales consultants, drivers and machine operators.
In the list of the most sought-after occupations by region for the next one year, those serving the processing industry prevail - tailors, machine operators in the textile industry, welders, machine technicians.
Employers in many areas will also need operational accountants, cashiers, construction workers, occupations specific to the hotel and restaurant sector, such as waiter-bartender, cook, food service worker.
In the inquiry about the specialists with higher education or professions requiring legal capacity, the largest number of professions were claimed by employers in large industrial areas.
More than half of employers in 22 out of all 28 regions are having trouble finding the staff they say they will need in the next 12 months. The situation is worst in the Vratsa region, where 87% of employers report difficulties, the most frequently mentioned being the lack of sufficient qualification and education of the candidates.
Employers from 18 regions indicate in the first place precisely this reason for difficulty in finding staff. Employers from the Gabrovo, Shumen, Pernik and Vidin regions point out, first of all, the lack of motivation for work among candidates as the main reason for the difficult selection, and those from the Blagoevgrad, Kardzhali, Sliven, Silistra and Ruse regions - the lack of staff in general.
09.02.2024
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE "SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT FOR DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE" MEASURE IS EXTENDED UNTIL MARCH 21
Until March 21, 2024, the application deadline for the measure "Sustainable employment for disadvantaged people" under the "Human Resources Development" Program is extended. The total budget of the procedure is BGN 100 million, and eligible candidates are employers. The main objective of the measure is to ensure sustainable employment for disadvantaged people, including by adapting workplaces for people with permanent disabilities.
The projects will provide subsidized employment, the duration of which for people in a disadvantaged position is up to 12 months, and for people with permanent disabilities - up to 24 months. After the completion of the project, the employer should maintain the employment of at least half of the new disadvantaged employees for a period of 50% of the period of the subsidized employment. For people with permanent disabilities, this period should be at least 3 months. On-the-job mentoring for a period of up to 6 months is permissible for the projects, if the newly hired employee needs it. It is permissible to provide transportation to and from the workplace if the project participant works in a settlement that is different from his place of residence. Employers have the option to adapt the workplace for newly hired employees with permanent disabilities. Construction and assembly activities, equipment and furniture are permissible activities under the project if the employer does not have suitable working conditions for the employee with permanent disabilities.
The deadline for applications by employers is March 21, 2024. Project proposals are submitted through EUMIS.
08.02.2024
SUCCESS TECHNIQUES: A HARVARD HAPPINESS EXPERT'S TECHNIQUE FOR ELIMINATING ANXIETY AND FINDING INNER PEACE
Researchers at the University of Texas recently found that stress can literally shrink your brain. And as any chronic worrier will tell you, it also clouds your mind and gives you peace of mind. Constant thoughts like “What if…?” are exhausting and unpleasant. So, given this physical and psychological burden, why do so many of us tend to indulge in incessant worry?
That's the subject of a recent piece in the Atlantic by Harvard University happiness expert Arthur Brooks. In it, he explains why so many of us tend to worry constantly—from biological differences in the way our brains process neurotransmitters to common superstitions about the benefits of worry.
In the material, Brooks provides a four-part plan that will finally kill the constant stress and bring some peace to your brain. Here's what it contains:
Write down your concerns on a piece of paper
“Anxiety, of which worry is a part, is basically just unfocused fear. Without real focus, fear is a fantasy that you could hardly deal with adequately. It is much better to focus the fear by articulating it to yourself. You can do this by creating a list. "When you're worried about a bunch of things, take a piece of paper and write down the five you're most worried about," advises Brooks.
As you might expect from a Harvard expert, his recommendation is backed up by plenty of research, all of which shows that getting anxious thoughts out of your head onto a piece of paper or a display is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety.
Focus on results
One of Brooks's arguments for the origin of anxiety is that it is actually a masking mechanism. As unpleasant as the feeling of anxiety associated with an upcoming medical examination may be, it is still preferable to a situation where you are directly faced with a bad diagnosis. But the problem with this approach is that if we never face our fears, we will never overcome them, leading to an endless cycle of unproductive anxiety.
So take a deep breath, muster up the courage, and name the thing that's troubling you. "If you can express that fear, you'll give yourself a chance to think about what you could actually do in that situation." So on your worry list, write down the best potential outcome, the worst outcome, and the most likely outcome for each problem. Then add what you would do in each of these cases. This makes the source of the anxiety concrete and gives you a plan to manage the situation,” explains Brooks.
Fight superstition
Repeat to yourself: worrying does not improve your safety. Constant anxiety does not affect the outcome of events. Going over the same worries over and over doesn't give you any plan of action. "Give up the idea that if you agonize over some insecurity enough, you're somehow going to make the situation better," says Brooks.
Make this your morning mantra
It is easy to say that you should let go of anxious thoughts, but it is significantly more difficult to do. But Brooks has another suggestion besides reminding you that worry is futile: “When you wake up in the morning, declare your intention to stop spending your time this way. Here's what you say to yourself: "I don't know what this day will bring, but I'm alive to experience it, and I'm not going to waste time worrying about things I can't control."
08.02.2024
ENROLLMENT FOR FREE COMPUTER COURSES BEGINS
A series of free digital skills training courses are starting as part of the Women In Tech programme. It is a joint project of the Higher School of Telecommunications and Posts, Huawei Technologies Bulgaria and the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.
For the first time, the program will be implemented in Bulgaria with the aim of enabling unemployed women and those seeking retraining to acquire basic digital skills that will open the doors to new professional opportunities, realization and retraining.
The free courses also aim to create equal opportunities and bridge the gender gap in the tech industry.
Registration is from 12.02.2024 through a specially created website - "Women in Tech" Program - HIGH SCHOOL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND POSTS (https://www.utp.bg/programa-women-in-tech-jenite-tehnologiite/#).
In addition to the website, information will also be available at the labor offices.
The first course starts on 09.03.2024, with groups of up to 10 people. Classes in one course are held for 5 consecutive weeks, every Saturday and Sunday.
Tailor-made programs include 4 or 5 hours of study, covering everything from the basics to the high-tech world of programming and innovation. The total horary of 45 study hours provides intensive training and an opportunity for deep insight into the essence of technological progress.
08.02.2024
THE RECRUITMENT OF PROJECTS UNDER THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND PERSONAL MOBILITY HAS STARTED
The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has launched the campaign for recruiting project proposals that will be financed under the National Program for Affordable Housing and Personal Mobility in 2024.
Under Component 1 "Affordable Housing", project proposals can be submitted until May 15, 2024. It will once again enable people with disabilities to apply for funding to build an accessible environment next to their homes, which will help with their social inclusion. With the allocated under the Program up to BGN 100,000 including VAT for each approved proposal in 2024, it will be possible to build and install the ramps, lifting platforms and elevators necessary for people with disabilities. In cases where the value of the project proposal exceeds the amount of funding from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the applicant's own contribution is allowed for the implementation of activities to ensure an accessible environment only.
Under Component 1, owners of single-family residential buildings who are permanently disabled and use wheelchairs, with a permanent or current address in the same building, can apply. Project proposals can also be submitted by associations of owners in condominiums in multi-family residential buildings, in which there are people with permanent disabilities, moving in wheelchairs, with a permanent or current address in the same building.
The recruitment of project proposals for financing under Component 2 "Personal Mobility" will end on April 1, 2024. Under it, up to BGN 8,000 will be allocated to finance a project for the conversion of a car for a person with permanent disabilities or for the purchase of an already converted car. Funding is also eligible for the installation of an assistive device/wheelchair loading/unloading device in motor vehicles. The value of each project proposal is determined based on a submitted proposal containing technical and/or financial parameters for the envisaged eligible activities. Applicants who do not currently have a license to drive a motor vehicle can also receive funding for a driving license course.
People with permanent disabilities, with a proven deficiency of lower and/or upper limbs and a decision of the medical examination authorities, who have a document that they are physically fit to be drivers, have the right to apply under the "Personal Mobility" component.
Detailed information on the conditions and application documents for both components can be found on the website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (www.mlsp.government.bg under the heading "National Program for Affordable Housing and Personal Mobility") or at the following link: https://www.mlsp.government.bg/natsionalna-programa-za-dostpna-zhilishchna-sreda-i-lichna-mobilnost-1
07.02.2024
THE MINIMUM WAGE AS A BASIS FOR DETERMINING SOCIAL BENEFITS
How can the minimum wage serve as a basis for determining the initial basic wages in the enterprise, additional wages and social benefits?
Similar rules for determining the initial basic wages in the enterprise, additional labor remuneration and social benefits are often contained in collective labor agreements and in internal rules for the wage.
Also, the rules are also used for the purposes of insurance law and social assistance. For example, according to the Social Insurance Code, persons who work without an employment relationship and receive a monthly salary equal to or above the minimum wage, after reducing it by the costs of the activity, are subject to mandatory insurance for certain risks, if they are not insured on another basis in the respective month.
The amounts of some State Social Security benefits may also be linked to the minimum wage. For example, according to the law, the daily cash compensation for temporary incapacity due to a general illness is generally calculated at the rate of 80 percent of the average daily gross remuneration or the average daily insurance income, on which insurance contributions have been paid or are due for a period of 18 calendar months preceding the month of onset of incapacity. However, if during this period the person was not insured for general illness and maternity or used unpaid leave, which is considered as work or service experience, the average daily minimum wage for the country for the relevant days is taken as a basis.
It is also good to pay attention to the relationship between the concepts of "minimum wage" and "minimum insurance income/threshold", since there is often confusion between them.
The minimum insurance thresholds represent legally established minimum amounts of insurance income, on which insurance contributions are made, depending on the main economic activity of the employer and the qualification group in which the profession practiced by the insured person is classified.
The amounts of the minimum insurance income for basic economic activities and qualification groups of professions are determined by the Law on the State Public Insurance Budget for the relevant year.
Example:
If we consider the economic activity "Forestry", according to Appendix No. 1A of the Law on the State Public Insurance Budget for 2022, the minimum insurance income for persons in managerial positions from 01.04. until 31.12.2022 it is BGN 935, and for specialists and all other positions (such as administrative support staff, etc.) - BGN 710.
A person occupying the relevant position cannot be insured on an income lower than that determined. This actually results in a "substitution" effect of the minimum wage by the minimum insurance income for persons for whom the latter is higher. Besides, there is nothing surprising in this, if it is based on the logic that the minimum wage is determined for the lowest skilled labor.
Reference:
Art. 4, para. 3, item 5 of the Social Security Code
Art. 41 of the Social Security Code
07.02.2024
NEWS IN THE FIELD OF MIGRATION LEGISLATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
The free movement of goods and people is one of the main principles of the European Union, enshrined in a number of legislative acts and reflected in the regulation of relations in several spheres. Migration and labor legislation is also such an area. The regulations are amended and updated periodically in order to fully respond to the development of public relations and requirements. The labor market, especially in Europe, continues to liberalize, while at the same time seeking to settle the relationship between employers and employees/workers in a way that protects the interests of both parties.
With this material, we will introduce you to the news in this field in Bulgaria, and in particular to the discussed changes in the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria.
At the end of last year (on 02.10.2023) a Draft Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria was published for public discussion, which aims to:
to introduce the requirements of Directive (EU) 2021/1883 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2021 on the conditions for entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment and to repeal Directive 2009/50/ EC of the Council;
to make changes related to non-compliance found by the European Commission in the implementation of Directive 2014/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the conditions for entry and stay of third-country nationals for the purpose of employment as seasonal workers .
The proposed amendments to the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria affect in particular the following administrative procedures:
- Permit for long-term residence and work type "Single permit for residence and work",
- Long-term residence permit for the purpose of employment as a seasonal worker, as well as the employment registration procedure for performing seasonal work for up to 90 days,
- EU Blue Card type long-term residence and work permit, as well as
- Permit for a person transferred in an intra-corporate transfer with the right of long-term residence.
What do the changes provide for the different procedures?
Upon termination of the employment relationship, the foreigner's right of residence will also be terminated, which will be reflected in the Automated Information System "Single Register for Foreigners". It was created and maintained by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
A health insurance requirement is introduced for foreigners who have received the residence permit after receiving the residence document.
A health insurance requirement is being introduced for seasonal workers with long-term residency permits.
Seasonal workers who have arrived in our country for the purposes of short-term employment will have the opportunity to extend their period of residence and work up to 180 days under the same conditions, without requiring them to leave Bulgaria, regarding the procedure for registering employment to carry out seasonal work up to 90 days.
It is expected that this change will have a favorable effect on the economic growth of Bulgaria to a significant extent, in view of the numerous businesses that carry out seasonal activity and their need to hire seasonal workers.
To the highly qualified citizens of third countries, holders of the so-called "EU Blue Card" is granted the possibility to change the position within the framework of the existing employment relationship with the employer in Bulgaria.
After the first 12 months of highly qualified employment, the EU Blue Card holder can change his employer under a simplified procedure.
Also added is the possibility for an EU Blue Card holder to move to the Republic of Bulgaria after having resided legally for six months in another Member State that is different from the Member State that issued the first EU Blue Card.
The deadlines for applying for the issuance of a D visa, as well as the deadline for the foreigner to appear in person at the Migration Directorate to obtain the visa, are being extended from 7 to 14 days, which will facilitate and harmonize the procedure.
Currently, the deadline for public discussion of the analyzed draft law has expired, but it has not yet been adopted by the National Assembly. In view of the nature of the envisaged changes, it is expected that they should be adopted in the final text of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria. The harmonization of Bulgarian legislation in the field of migration and labor law is extremely important not only for the fulfillment of Bulgaria's obligations as an EU member state, but also for establishing our labor market as sufficiently competitive and attractive for employees and workers from other countries. The discussed bill is precisely a step in this direction.
06.02.2024
6 THOUSAND MORE UNEMPLOYED IN OUR COUNTRY IN A YEAR
Unemployment in the European Union in December 2023 remained at the same level registered in November 2023 - 5.9 percent, taking seasonal factors into account. It decreased compared to December 2022, when it was 6.1 percent. This is shown by the latest data of the European statistical agency Eurostat, published on its website.
In the Eurozone, seasonally adjusted unemployment in December also remained at the level of November 2023 - 6.4 percent. It decreased compared to December 2022, when it was 6.7 percent.
Unemployment in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, the seasonally adjusted unemployment in December 2023 remained at the same level that was recorded in November 2023 - 4.3 percent. Approximately 130,000 people were registered as unemployed.
For comparison, in December 2022, unemployment in our country was 4 percent (124,000 people).
Native youth unemployment (those under the age of 25) in December 2023 rose to 12.5 percent (approximately 15,000), seasonally adjusted, from 12.2 percent in November 2023.
On an annual basis (compared to December 2023), youth unemployment in Bulgaria has increased compared to December 2022, when it was 9.2 percent.
Unemployment in the EU and the Eurozone
According to Eurostat estimates, more than 12.93 million women and men in the EU, of which 10.9 million in the euro area, were unemployed last December.
On an annual basis (compared to December 2022), the number of unemployed persons in the European Union decreased by 299,000 people, and in the Eurozone by 369,000 people.
Malta (2.4 per cent) had the lowest unemployment among EU countries in December 2023, followed by Poland (2.7 per cent) and the Czech Republic (2.8 per cent).
Unemployment remained the highest in Spain (11.7 percent) and in Greece (9.2 percent).
Seasonally adjusted youth unemployment in December 2023 reported more than 2.86 million unemployed youth (under the age of 25) in the EU, of which more than 2.32 million were in the euro area.
In percentage terms, this represents 14.7 percent of unemployed youth in EU countries and 14.4 percent in those of the Eurozone.
01.02.2024
SUCCESS TECHNIQUES: THE PERFECT ANSWER AGAINST THE PASSIVE AGGRESSOR IN THE OFFICE
Imagine the following situation: a colleague of yours, with whom you usually get along, avoids you all day, then mumbles something under his breath when you offer him coffee. He's obviously mad at you but refuses to address the issue.
This is typical passive-aggressive behavior - a hallmark of people who have problems dealing with conflict. The best way to deal with passive aggression is to carefully neutralize it with countermeasures – act quickly and communicate directly and openly. It takes courage. But with practice, your fear of confrontation will diminish.
A simple matter of stopping passive-aggressive behavior
When faced with a colleague exhibiting passive-aggressive behavior, stay calm and do three things:
The last question often solves the problem instantly. If the other person tells you what they were upset about, you will probably have an opportunity to resume normal good interactions with each other in the right way. Maybe you'll realize it was a misunderstanding. Maybe it's a deeper issue that will take some time to resolve.
In any case, what is critical to success in de-escalating the tension between you is, after you ask the question, to shut up and listen.
How to give a meaningful apology when needed
When your colleague answers, pause. It may seem pointless to you. It may seem unfair or inaccurate. But don't answer until you've taken the time to digest it.
If your colleague is upset about something worth apologizing for, you need to be diplomatic. A true apology never involves excuses or attempts at defense. Focus on where you went wrong.
Don't assume it's obvious you're sorry. Say the word "I'm sorry" in a sincere way.
The most important thing here is to resist the urge to argue. The goal is not to be right or to prove your colleague wrong. Your goal is to restore a safe space for conversation.
Don't apologize if you feel it won't be sincere. But give the other person credit for having this conversation. Are you glad he responded? Then thank him for the answer. Will you think about what was said? If yes, then share this with him. Is your relationship important? Be sure to bookmark it.
After all, you can only control your own behavior
What to do if you ask the question and all you get is a shrug of the shoulders and a response like, "Oh, nothing's wrong."
If your colleague is afraid of conflict or is more focused on continuing to be angry with you than on finding a solution, you can at least take solace in the fact that you made the necessary effort and addressed the problem, which will do for them in -hard to pretend nothing happened.
You've done your best by being direct and making it clear that you're open to discussion when your colleague is ready to move on.
