19.05.2022
MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY WITH AN ONLINE SURVEY ON BUSINESS PROBLEMS
The Ministry of Economy and Industry has launched an online survey addressed to Bulgarian companies.
All employers' organizations in the country and their members are invited to participate in the survey. "The purpose of the survey is to establish the real problems and needs of Bulgarian business after the imposed sanctions, the suspension of gas supplies and other current problems," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Industry Korneliya Ninova.
The survey will be monthly and will aim to gather as much information as possible about the impact of the crisis on the real economy. Business representatives can report the problems they face on the website of the Ministry of Economy and Industry. The standardized table can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry and sent to the e-mail address: info@mi.government.bg. The deadline is the last day of each month.
18.05.2022
WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT'S ANTI-CRISIS MEASURES AGAINST INFLATION?
Zero percent VAT on bread, updating of pensions by nearly 20%, higher tax breaks for families with children and discounts on fuel, including petrol and diesel - these are just some of the measures in the anti-crisis package adopted during yesterday's coalition Council, the press service of the Council of Ministers announced. The measures are aimed at supporting Bulgarian citizens and businesses in the face of the unprecedented crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
According to the ruling coalition partners, pensions will be updated from July 1st, instead of the current 6.1%, by an average of 20%. This includes a increase in all pensions by BGN 60 and an additional percentage increase. According to the so-called Swiss rule, the pensions of 770 thousand pensioners will be recalculated from October 1, and from 2008 each pension will be recalculated with 100% growth in average insurance income or 100% inflation, depending on which is more favorable and which is the higher amount of the pension for the particular pensioner.
The decisions of the ruling coalition lead to a drastic increase of over 55% of the minimum pension, which at the beginning of last year was BGN 300, and from July 1 will be BGN 467.
The anti-crisis package also provides compensation for high fuel prices. All citizens until the end of the year will be able to take advantage of a discount of BGN 0,25 per liter for petrol 95 and diesel, methane and propane-butane.
For a period of one year the VAT on bread will be reduced to 0%, and for the same period the VAT on wine and beer will be refunded to 20%.
With regard to heating, VAT on heating and hot water is expected to be 9% within one year. It will also be reduced to 9% VAT on natural gas for end users/household needs for a period of 1 year. It is exempt from excise duty on electricity, natural gas, methane.
In support of families with children, as a long-term measure it is planned to increase the amount of tax relief for children from BGN 4,500 to BGN 6,000 per year, and it will be possible to use it every three months during the year.
The package of anti-crisis measures also includes increasing the threshold for mandatory registration under the VAT Act from BGN 50,000 to BGN 100,000; taxation of excess profits of electricity in order to compensate non-household consumers; electronic vouchers for the convenience of employees, as their total amount will be increased to BGN 1.2 billion; reduction of the interest rate to 8% for overdue payments to the state, municipalities, utilities, etc.
A recommendation will be made to the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) for two rates for electricity, water, heating and gas, based on consumption per household, with the aim of introducing a reduced tariff for less consumption. The VAT rate for books continues to be lower at 9%.
Most of the measures will be settled in the forthcoming budget update in the middle of this year, with different deadlines for entry into force and implementation. The necessary legislative changes will also be made.
17.05.2022
HOW CAN PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES START THEIR OWN BUSINESS WITH MONEY FROM THE STATE?
Up to BGN 20,000 can be received by people with disabilities for starting or developing their own business. The funds are provided by the Agency for People with Disabilities to cover the costs of establishing a new enterprise, construction and repair works, equipment of workplaces, starting minimum working capital and a short training course for the owner of the enterprise.
People with 50 and over 50% reduced working capacity can apply for funding, according to a decision of the TEMC or NEMC. They must not have a sole proprietorship or be partners in other companies.
After the completion of the planned main activities, people with disabilities must actively work in the interest of the enterprises created with the subsidy. Own funding is not required.
Project proposals must be submitted by June 20, 2022 to the Agency for People with Disabilities (APD). The documents can be brought on the spot or sent by mail or electronically to ahu_ssd@mlsp.government.bg.
More information can be found in the section Projects/Programs, section "Independent Business" on the website of the Agency for People with Disabilities https://ahu.mlsp.government.bg/home/.
17.05.2022
KRISTALINA GEORGIEVA: JOINING THE EUROZONE IS NOW MORE COMPLICATED DUE TO HIGH INFLATION
Joining the eurozone is a logical step for Bulgaria, because then it will not only receive monetary policy, but will also be able to influence this monetary policy. This was said by the managing director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva to journalists at the University of National and World Economy after receiving the honorary title "Doctor Honoris Causa".
"Bulgaria has a currency board and our monetary policy is determined by the European Central Bank. Joining the eurozone is now more difficult due to high inflation. However, this is due to external shocks and the war in Ukraine. The problem of rising prices affects all countries except "Japan and several Asian countries. It is very likely that the ECB and eurozone ministers will take into account the fact that inflation in our country is external and this will not affect the deadline for the adoption of the euro," said Kristalina Georgieva.
When asked whether Bulgaria should or should not join the eurozone, I would answer with another question: "Is there anyone in Bulgaria who wants the currency board to fall?". So far I have not seen in public opinion polls fall. "So far, I have not seen in opinion polls public sentiment about the fall of the currency board and we to be without its protection. Once our currency is pegged to the euro, it is much better for us to participate in shaping policies that affect our country," Georgieva said.
"We see inflation above ten percent in our country, but we expect inflation to be contained in 2023. Central banks are already taking decisive measures to curb rising prices in the EU. This year, inflation may accelerate slightly before we already know what it is like to have an energy shock and measures are being taken, "Georgieva said.
Asked whether the flat tax in Bulgaria should be abolished, Kristalina Georgieva pointed out that the IMF's recommendation is to assess the impact of the flat tax, and not necessarily to reform it. "Such an assessment has not been made and it is good to see how it works and whether the conditions that led to its introduction still exist in our country. I think that in Bulgaria, where inequality is deepening, it is important to assess whether fiscal policy can help both taxes and social funds to reduce this inequality, "said the IMF director.
Kristalina Georgieva commented that the measures in the government's anti-crisis package have been chosen very correctly. The most important thing at the moment is for Bulgaria to absorb the EU money and to include in the anti-crisis measures the acceleration of the projects stopped due to "open corruption". She gave the example of the Echemishka tunnel on the Hemus highway, which she passed through last weekend. This is a dead end and it is very important in anti-crisis measures to restart such projects," she said.
According to the director of the IMF, there are many unknowns about what will happen this year - we do not know how long the war in Ukraine will last, as well as its consequences, and whether the pandemic will not spread again. Currently, the two biggest problems in the world, according to her, are the slowdown in China's economic growth and inflation.
"We projected China's GDP to grow by 5.5 percent, but now we have lowered it to 4.4 percent and are likely to adjust further down. Inflation calls for a tightening of monetary policy, which could slow economic growth and bring in Bulgaria is not threatened by a recession, the IMF forecasts GDP growth in our country of 3 percent, while the previous forecast was 4.2 percent growth this year. "However, at the IMF, we have revised the economic growth of 143 countries, which make up 86 percent of the world's GDP," Georgieva said.
17.05.2022
THE ANNUAL INFLATION RATE IN BULGARIA HAS ACCELERATED
The annual inflation rate in Bulgaria accelerated in April 2022 for the 14th consecutive month, reaching 14.4% compared to 12.4% in the previous month, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). This is the highest level of inflation in our country since 2008.
Compared to March, consumer prices in our country increased by 2.5% in April, after a month earlier they increased by 2.2%.
The average annual inflation for the period May 2021 - April 2022 compared to the period May 2020 - April 2021 is 7.0 percent.
The main upward pressure on inflation in April was exerted by the prices of clothing and footwear, which increased by 6.4% compared to March, as well as the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, which increased by 4.5%.
There is another increase in transport prices, which increased by 3.5% compared to March, when they jumped by 7.9%.
Prices in restaurants and hotels jumped by 2.6 percent within a month, and those for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (for utilities) increased on a monthly basis by 1.7%.
Another increase in transport prices is due to a new increase in fuel prices in April compared to the previous month, as the price of gasoline A95H increased by 3.5%, gasoline A100H - by 3.1%, and propane-butane gas - by 2.7% and diesel by 6%, however, after fuel prices jumped by more than 10% in March.
In April, a solid jump in food prices was recorded in meat, with pork rising by 7.8%, lamb by 12.9% and poultry by 10.2%.
The price of yoghurt increased in April by 4.3%, of cheese by 4.4%, of yellow cheese - by 3.5%, and of eggs - by 5.2%.
Rice rose by 3% and flour - by 4 percent.
There is a serious jump of 20% in the prices of tomatoes, pepper rose by 16.3% and potatoes - by 8.9%.
In April, a small part of food prices fell, with the largest price decline of 12.1% in cucumbers, leafy vegetables - by 0.1% and fresh and chilled fish - by 2.4 percent.
Harmonized inflation (HICP according to common European standards) rose by 2.1% on a monthly basis in April, while harmonized consumer inflation on an annual basis accelerated to 12.1% from 10.5% in March.
The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices is a comparable measure of inflation in EU countries. It is one of the criteria for price stability and for Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone.
17.05.2022
THE NEW UNEMPLOYED ARE MORE THAN THE NEW EMPLOYED
Since the beginning of the year, the newly registered unemployed in the country exceeded 89,300 people, and the employed are just over 58,200 people - according to the latest data from the weekly specialized labor market monitoring of the National Statistical Institute and the Employment Agency.
In the last observed week for the period May 2-8, 4,073 unemployed people registered with the labor offices, and 2,747 people started working.
Sofia-capital, Plovdiv and Blagoevgrad are the districts with the most newly registered unemployed in the period second-eighth of May - in Sofia they are 454. Most of them are employed through labor offices in the capital, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Plovdiv and Varna. At the beginning of the summer season there are already districts such as Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Dobrich with a significant predominance of those who came to work compared to those registered in the labor offices.
The most sought-after professions in business are: staff employed in the field of personal services; agricultural, forestry and fisheries workers; sellers; machine operators of stationary machines and equipment; workers in the mining and processing industry, construction and transport; skilled workers in the production of food, clothing, wood products and related; waste collection and related workers; metallurgists, machine builders and related craftsmen; food preparation assistants; cleaners and helpers, etc.
According to the Employment Agency, the unemployment rate in April - 4.6%, is the lowest registered so far. The agency's administrative statistics show that this is the lowest value of registered unemployed since the establishment of the Agency 32 years ago.
16.05.2022
THE REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM OF THE DISTRICT OF MONTANA FOR 2022 HAS STARTED
In pursuance of the National Action Plan for Employment in 2022, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has launched a procedure for developing regional employment programs. The programs are an effective tool of active labor market policy, which supports the regions and ensures employment of unemployed people from vulnerable groups.
The Employment Promotion Act provides for the implementation of a regional program for each administrative district on the basis of proposals from the district and municipal administrations.
In 2022, regional programs will promote the creation of sustainable jobs and contribute to the recovery of employment. In each Regional Program, subsidized employment for the target group must be planned, based on partnerships with private sector enterprises. Unemployed persons registered with the labor offices for reasons related to the Kovid crisis are included in the subsidized employment as a priority. In order to boost local development, it is important that the program addresses measures in sectors with growth potential. Employment partnerships with employers carrying out green transition activities are also important.
Interested employers from the Municipality of Montana can declare their labor needs to the Mayor of the Municipality of Montana until May 16, 2022 in 102 rooms until 5.30 pm for inclusion in the Employment Program of the Municipality of Montana, which is part of the Regional Employment Program. Montana area. Unemployed persons who have not worked for the same employer in the last 6 months can be employed at each job created under the regional programs.
The developed project proposals should be submitted by May 17, 2022, after which a commission appointed by the District Governor will evaluate them and develop the Regional Employment Program for the District of Montana for 2022.
The significantly larger financial resource this year also implies a wide territorial scope of the regional programs. The aim is to create jobs in all settlements in the district, where there are suitable registered unemployed for them, in order to give a chance and to create conditions for employment in the most remote from the economic centers areas.
The programs can also provide employment in jobs related to home care (food delivery and/or preparation, food assistance, self-service support, movement and mobility, shopping and other daily and household activities) to persons with permanent disabilities and the elderly who do not fall within the scope of currently existing measures, services and programs financed from the state budget or European funds, or funds from international programs and projects, including the Personal Assistance Mechanism.
The distribution of the funds from the budget of the MLSP for active policy by districts in the National Action Plan for Employment in 2022 has been approved, for the district of Montana they amount to BGN 2,504,420.
Until 20.05.2022 is the deadline for the Chairman of the Employment Commission to present to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy for approval the Regional Employment Program of the District of Montana for 2022.
The deadline for implementation of the regional program is December 9, 2022.
For more information: Montana Labor Office Directorate.
16.05.2022
EASY TRICKS FOR IMPROVING TEAMWORK WORK AT THE WORKPLACE
Being part of a great work team is a phenomenal feeling.
This means going to work with pleasure and being charged with energy throughout the day.
The fact is that many employees suffer from poor communication, lack of trust and low commitment - all this undermines the chances of teamwork.
However, 3 out of 4 employers consider teamwork to be "very important", but sometimes this can be a bit complicated. The key is to give your team the right conditions for development and growth.
Here are some "conditions" for teamwork that you should keep in mind:
It starts from the top. If you still don't have good teamwork at the highest level, it's time for a change. Be an example to employees and show them how important this is for the whole organization.
Good communication is the basis of great teamwork. Good teams communicate well and often their members are happy to share ideas, think together, ask for feedback.
So how do you activate good communication?
Be clear: Set a tone for communication between the team. When is it acceptable to close the office door? Is it good to talk to someone after hours? How often should the whole team meet?
Listen: Communication is as much about speaking as it is about listening. Make sure you listen to your colleagues and actually consider their thoughts before proposing your own solutions and contributions.
Method: There are so many ways to reach each other in the modern age. Try to use the most appropriate tool for communication according to specific needs, whether it is email, chat platform, phone call or face-to-face.
Sharing: Encourage informal meetings, information sharing and meetings between team members. People don't have to wait for a weekly meeting to get together.
We are not talking about aerobics here, but about team building. Before deciding on a team building exercise, it is important to consider what specific challenges it faces. For example, does your team need to get to know each other better or do you need to recover from a conflict? You can choose different exercises for each of these situations.
Rules must exist to keep everyone equal. The rules are everywhere - on the sports field, in everyday interactions - and they exist so that everyone is in the same position. How can we go on together if we don't know where we are? The rules will guarantee the success and productivity of the team.
If the team does not understand the purpose of their work, their attention and enthusiasm may decrease. Be clear about why you are doing what you are doing - this is the key to motivation. So, find the "why" - the goal behind your current project or end goal and why you take each of the steps that lead you there.
Not only will this keep everyone motivated and coordinated, but it's also a great way to review the work and make sure you're taking the best steps to get to where you need to be.
Recognized employees are satisfied employees, according to a recent study. And satisfied employees do better at work. If you want a happier, stronger team, recognition is key.
How constructive is your workspace for teamwork growth? Herman Miller's research shows that the physical workspace must evolve to support collaboration.
Provide rooms that teams can use, conference rooms equipped with the latest remote conferencing tools, and relaxation areas where people can relax.
The needs of your teams need to be reflected in your workspace. Take a look at your office and think about what can be done to encourage impromptu meetings for productive conversation, accessibility to knowledge experts and semi-permanent spaces for group projects.
Team building should not happen while you are actively working. In fact, it has been proven that taking breaks together can lead to higher levels of productivity and help re-evaluate goals if necessary.
One week you could gather the team and go for coffee together or serve sweet treats and get together for a morning conversation. Gathering in a less formal setting will encourage better communication, sharing and networking between team members. If you want to start small - go out to hold some of the team meetings.
Focusing on the weaknesses of your team members can seriously affect engagement and therefore reduce team productivity. According to a Gallup study, employees who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be involved in their work.
How often do you show gratitude? A survey of 2,000 people found that people were less likely to express gratitude at work than anywhere else. In fact, 60% of these people say that "either they never express gratitude for work, or they do it maybe once a year."
People, in fact, want to thank them. 70% of respondents would feel better if their boss was more grateful, and 81% would work harder. In fact, gratitude has been shown to lead to an increased sense of self-worth and trust in the workplace.
16.05.2022
LAUNCH OF THE EUROPEAN HEALTH DATA SPACE
The European Commission has launched the European Health Data Space (EHDS), one of the central building blocks of a strong European Health Union. The EHDS will help the EU make a qualitative leap forward in the way people across Europe are provided with healthcare. It will enable people to control and use their health data in their own country or in other EU countries. The EHDS promotes a true single market for digital health services and products. In addition, it provides a coherent, reliable and efficient framework for the use of health data for research, innovation, policy-making and regulatory activities, while ensuring full compliance with high EU data protection standards.
EC Vice-President Margaritis Schinas said: I am proud to announce the first common EU data space in a specific area. The European Health Data Space will be a "new beginning" for EU digital health policy, and health data will be used for the benefit of citizens and science. Today, we are laying the foundations for secure and reliable access to health data in full compliance with the core values on which the EU is founded.
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kiriakidou said: Today we are introducing another pillar of the European Health Union. Our vision is becoming a reality. The European Health Data Space is a key determinant of the digital transformation of healthcare in the EU. It puts citizens at the center of attention, enabling them to exercise full control over their data in order to receive better healthcare across the EU. This data, which will be accessed under strict guarantees of security and privacy, will also be a real treasure trove for scientists, researchers, innovators and policy makers working on future life-saving treatments. The EU is truly taking a historic step towards digital healthcare.
Enabling people to control their health data at home and abroad
Thanks to the EHDS, people will have immediate, free and easy access to their health data electronically. They can easily share this data with other health professionals in EU countries to improve the provision of health care. Citizens will have full control over their data, as they will be able to add information, correct incorrect data, restrict access to others and receive information on how their data is used and for what purposes.
EU countries will ensure that aggregate patient data, e-prescriptions, medical images and conclusions, laboratory results and medical records are published and adopted in a common European format.
Interoperability and security will become mandatory requirements. Manufacturers of electronic health record systems will need to certify compliance with these standards.
To ensure the protection of citizens' rights, all EU countries must set up digital health authorities. These authorities will be involved in a cross-border digital infrastructure (MyHealth@EU, My Health in the EU data infrastructure) to help patients share their data abroad.
Improving the use of health data for research, innovation and policy making
The EHDS creates a solid legal framework for the use of health data in the areas of research, innovation, public health, policy-making and regulatory activities. Under strict conditions, researchers, innovators, public institutions or industry will have access to large amounts of high-quality health data, which are crucial for the development of life-saving treatments, vaccines or medical devices and provide better access to healthcare and more sustainable health systems.
To access such data, researchers, companies or institutions will need permission from a health data access authority, which must be set up in each EU country. Access will be granted only if the requested data is used for specific purposes, in a closed and secure environment and without revealing the identity of the persons. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to use data for decisions that are detrimental to citizens, such as designing harmful products or services or increasing the insurance premium.
Health data access authorities will be linked to the new decentralized infrastructure at EU level for secondary use (HealthData@EU, EU Health Data Infrastructure), which will be set up to support cross-border projects.
Context
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of digital health services. The use of digital tools increased significantly during this period. However, the complexity of the rules, structures and processes in the Member States makes it difficult to access and share health data, especially abroad. In addition, health systems are currently the subject of intensified cyber attacks.
The EHDS builds on the ORD, the proposed Data Management Act, the draft Data Legislation and the Cyber Security Directive. It complements these initiatives and provides more individualized rules for the health sector. An open public consultation on the EHDS took place from 3 May to 26 July 2021, bringing together a wide range of views that contributed to the development of this legal framework.
The EHDS will use the current and upcoming deployment of digital public goods in the EU, such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing technologies, cloud computing and smart middleware. In addition, the EHDS will be supported by frameworks on AI, e-identity and cybersecurity.
Next steps
The European Commission's proposal will be discussed by the Council and the European Parliament.
16.05.2022
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: BULGARIAN CERAMICS IS GAINING MOMENTUM
The ceramic production in our country is reviving, commented the master potter Nikolay Yovkov - a former teacher at the National Art High School for Applied Arts in Troyan.
After the drastic decline in the 1990s, the craft is gaining momentum. Many private workshops have been opened with a dozen workers each, who ship products daily. There is competition in the industry and everyone strives to make their products more beautiful, said Yovkov. Mostly items used in the household are made, the most common being the production of pots and pans.
The return to clay is largely provoked by the movement of the real estate market and the growing interest in rural houses, added the ceramic artist Stefania Kesarova. According to her, when buying houses, people find in them old things and objects that they want to preserve and modernize. All of Europe is turning to its historical roots, to everyday life and useful things, said the artist.
Ceramics are earth products. There are no worms in the clay, even the water of the clay is drunk. Clay is a natural raw material, so it is recommended to eat in clay pots. Especially when it is less glazed, because it is hygroscopic, it absorbs the smell and gives a specific taste to the food," Kesarova said. According to her, blown glass and clay are the most harmless and environmentally friendly raw materials for the production of dishes. Working with clay, in addition to bringing pleasure, heals the skin, says the artist.
Each pottery has its own artistry, its type is determined by the life of the ethnic group, say the masters. Bulgarian ceramics have warm colors. As the costumes are different, so the dishes have characteristic features in every part of Bulgaria, but in general earthy, pastel tones predominate, said Kesarova.
Romanian ceramics are a little browner, sometimes there are blue colors that are not found in our country, said Yovkov. According to Kuman Zhekov, chairman of the Northwestern Association of Old Craftsmen, many Serbian potters studied in the Tran village of Busintsi and brought the style to school. That is why Serbian craftsmen are now creating vessels close to the beads, Zhekov said. He is the last officially produced master of the Bead school and, according to him, the only master of ancient ceramics in our country. At the suggestion of the European Association of Museums, all objects made in his workshop are certified. Many antiques, complete collections in Europe and other continents, bear the stamp of the Bulgarian master.
"Pottery is based on centrifugal force. Clay is applied, hands must always be wet. We know the parable of St. Spyridon: He made a pot, but it didn't work. He cried, tears flowed and the pot worked. That's why potters always have a bowl. with water. The first manipulation is to center the clay, the second - to expand and shape the bottom and make a proper cylinder. From there are made pitchers, pots, etc.," reveals the secrets of the craft Zhekov.
Garden ceramics are also in great demand. It was brought from Western Europe and the Catholic world with the return of many Bulgarians from there. "Emigrants, in addition to funds, also brought Western culture. Along with construction, people began to decorate their yards. Their gardens are decorated with vases, jars, bunnies, storks, deer and other animals, which is typical of Catholicism," Kesarova added.
Bulgarian ceramics is well received abroad, Yovkov assured. According to him, some producers export more than 50 percent of their production. After the low tide at the end of the last century, there is already interest in learning the craft. There are more and more candidates for pottery, which is why the exams are more complicated, the old masters trust. They are convinced that their craft will prosper because it is attractive, affordable and environmentally friendly.
