05.05.2022
NEW RULES FOR THE PAYMENT OF AIDS TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
New rules, according to which the NHIF will pay for aids, devices, equipment and medical devices for people with disabilities, provide for changes in Ordinance № 10, proposed for public discussion by the Ministry of Health.
Currently, people with disabilities with an identified need for aids receive targeted assistance for the manufacture, purchase and/or repair, with the exception of medical devices, which are paid in full or in part by the NHIF.
The new order in which devices and medical devices will be provided is maximally optimized and accessible for them, including the submission of an application for receipt of the respective device and its approval will be carried out electronically, the ministry said.
The financing and provision of the aids under the new order is carried out by the National Health Insurance Fund, and the funds for this are provided from the state budget by transfer through the budget of the Ministry of Health.
The National Health Insurance Fund will now pay for aids, devices, equipment and medical devices under the following conditions:
Other changes in the ordinance envisage to specify the procedure for payment by the NHIF of medicinal products for home treatment on the territory of the country, as well as of medicinal products used in hospital medical care and paid by the NHIF outside the value of medical services (these are medicinal products intended for the treatment of oncological diseases and medicinal products used in life-threatening bleeding and emergency surgical and invasive interventions in patients with congenital coagulopathies).
05.05.2022
AID UNDER THE REGIONAL PROGRAMS FOR HIRING THE UNEMPLOYED FROM 3 TO 6 MONTHS
The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has started the procedure for preparation of regional employment programs for 2022, by inviting the Employment Commissions to the regional development councils for their development.
This year, they are expected to create 9,150 jobs for unemployed youth, people over the age of 50, people with disabilities, the long-term unemployed and the low-skilled.
Employers from not only the public but also the private sector will be able to participate in the programs. They will also be able to provide employment for people enjoying temporary protection. The employment of the unemployed on a full or part-time basis for a period of 3 to 6 months will be subsidized.
The number of people who will start working on regional programs is more than 3 times higher than last year. Their employment will be financed under the National Action Plan for Employment, which provides for BGN 48 million to provide jobs for the unemployed from disadvantaged groups in the labor market.
In this way, the state will support both vulnerable people and businesses and administrations in regions experiencing difficulties due to the protracted Kovid crisis. The increased financial resources will make it possible through the programs to create jobs in a larger number of settlements.
The aim of the regional employment programs is to reduce local unemployment and regional disparities in labor supply and demand.
Each regional administration can submit to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy for approval only one regional employment program. The deadline for applications is May 20. The specific requirements and parameters that need to be met by the district administrations are sent to each Employment Commission. The conditions are also published on the website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy - in the section "Policies" - "Employment" - "Employment programs and projects" https://www.mlsp.government.bg/programi-i-proekti-za–zaetost.
05.05.2022
WHAT PRESSURES DO YOUNG PEOPLE EXPERIENCE WHEN STARTING THEIR FIRST JOB?
The first work is an exciting moment, which, for the greater part of the youth, is connected with a large number of people. More than 50% determine whether the main concern is whether they will cope with their work obligations. This is due to the results of the study, implemented by the marketing agency "Vlue Roint" at the request of TELUS International Bulgaria.
According to the survey, 59% of young people say that they will continue their education in Bulgaria, but only 9% of them plan to count the child as a child. Data from the HCI for 2021 again show this trend - for the past year the current employment rate under the 24-year growth rate is only 22%, which is why this year is the same. To a large extent, the reason for these results is the lack of information of the young people about the opportunities that the market offers to you, because of this.
Another factor, which leads to the motivation to start work in July, is the expectation of what awaits them at the workplace. According to the report, half of the respondents say that they are worried about whether they will have the opportunity to work at work, whether the company will be responsible.
At the same time, among the things that would make them feel comfortable at work, young people define a cohesive team (31.7%) and a pleasant working atmosphere (18.8%), followed by a modern office (17.8%) and competitive remuneration (13.8%).
Apparently provoked by all the allegations, 84% of the participants said that if they had the opportunity, they would start their first job in the morning or later.
The main factor that would influence the decision to start a new job among young people is the level of pay (48%), followed by opportunities for growth in the company, the attractiveness of the position, the ability to balance work and personal life, as well as flexible work time.
To help young people in one of the key steps in their development, namely finding their first job, TELUЅ International Bulgaria has launched the second edition of its campaign "Your first job matters". With it, they aim to inform young people about the opportunities for private development that they offer and to support them in starting a career. The main message of the initiative this year is "Apply with a friend", provoked by the results of the study. The approved candidates will have the opportunity to work on international projects for one of over 50 clients of the campaign from various industries - world leaders in the technology and financial sector, tourism, healthcare and the game industry.
In a special creation of the website of the campaign www.rurvarabota.som young people can prepare CV and apply for the open position in the position.
In addition to attractive positions, TELUЅ International Bulgaria, as the largest employer in the Customer Exercise & Digital lutolution industry in Bulgaria, offers candidates flexible working hours, a team of people from more than 50 different nationalities.The company provides a wide portfolio of services - design, construction and delivery of digital services for the next generation, AI solutions, and services.
The CX industry is one of the fastest growing at the moment and offers stability to both minimal and long-term employees.
05.05.2022
THE ACCEPTANCE OF DOCUMENTS UNDER MEASURE 60/40 FOR THE PERIOD MARCH - JUNE 2022 CONTINUES
We remind you that on April 8 the Employment Agency launched a new procedure for applying for the measure, which gained popularity as 60/40. It may include employers seeking support for maintaining the employment of their staff in the period March - June 2022. This opportunity is provided by Decree of the Council of Ministers № 40 of 31.03.2022, amending the already well-known Decree № 151/2020 to upgrade the anti-crisis measure to support employment launched two years ago.
The terms and conditions for receiving support in the period March - June 2022 are similar to those applied for the previous two months of January and February. The measure continues to support the maintenance of employment in enterprises engaged in economic activity in the sectors specified in the Council of Ministers Decree № 151/2020, whose average monthly sales revenues in 2020 have decreased compared to 2019.
The regulated support at this stage also amounts to 60% of the income and social security contributions of each employee in enterprises, whose sales revenues in the month for which the support is provided have decreased by not less than 40% compared to the average monthly revenues for the whole of 2019. For employees in enterprises whose sales revenues during the month have decreased by at least 30 percent compared to the average monthly income for 2019, funds will continue to be paid in the amount of 50%. For those established after January 1, 2020, the decline in income for the month for which they apply will be determined compared to the average monthly income for 2020. The amount of funds provided for each employee will continue to be determined based on his insurance income for October 2021
The funds under the current design of the measure will be paid monthly, as the deadlines for acceptance of documents are as follows:
- for the month of March 2022 - until 17.00 on 29.04.2022 - for documents submitted in person at the Labor Office Directorate and until 30.04.2022 - for documents sent electronically through the Security System electronic service or licensed postal operator;
- for the month of April 2022 - until 31.05.2022;
- for the month of May and June 2022 - until June 10, 2022;
- submission of reporting documents for the month of June 2022 - by July 29, 2022.
For convenience and in view of the set deadline, employers who meet the requirements of CMD № 151/2020, as amended with CMD № 40/31.03.2022, and wish to receive support for the months of May and June 2022, can apply by submitting only one application for the two months, using the approved forms and sample documents.
At this stage of measure 60/40, the application and the documents for payment of funds under the Decree are submitted to the Directorate "Labor Office", serving the territory of the place of work of employees, regardless of the method of submission. Applications and accompanying documents may be submitted electronically through the Secure Electronic Service System, sent through a licensed postal operator, and submitted on site at the relevant employment office.
On the website of the Employment Agency, in the section "Financial incentives for maintaining employment", up-to-date materials for information of employers, the application procedure containing the conditions, requirements, procedure and manner of application, sample application and appendices are published, as well as other auxiliary materials.
Under the previous design of the measure "60/40" for the payment of funds to maintain the employment of employees in the period January and February 2022 in the district of Montana, 29 employers were approved to maintain the employment of 1384 people in January and 26 employers to maintain the employment of 220 people in February.
05.05.2022
BGN 3 MILLION FOR INTELLIGENT AGRICULTURE
The Council of Ministers approved BGN 3 million for the development of intelligent animal husbandry and plant growing in the country. The funds are allocated for activities under two national research programs of the Ministry of Education and Science - "Intelligent Animal Husbandry" and "Intelligent Plant Breeding", which are implemented since 2021. The programs create innovative methods for building modern farms to work with less human resources and reduced environmental impact.
In the first year of the Intelligent Animal Husbandry program, prototypes, patents, three-dimensional models, profiled intelligent animal husbandry services were developed, and articles were published in specialized journals. In the upcoming second year, the planned BGN 1.5 million will be allocated, which will be used to continue the activities for robotization of the livestock sector, development of models for monitoring and managing productivity/breeding, etc.
Research on the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture is being prepared under the national program "Intelligent Plant Breeding". Ways are being sought to reduce costs for farmers, improve soil management and water quality, reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiversity is improved and a healthier environment is created. In the second year, with the planned BGN 1.5 million, work will continue in the direction of automating the crop sector.
The additional funding is within the estimated funds for science in the central budget. The money is allocated from the budget of the Ministry of Education and Science for 2022.
05.05.2022
BGN 7 BILLION FOR 7 YEARS FOR THE BULGARIAN MUNICIPALITIES
BGN 7 billion in 7 years can be used by Bulgarian municipalities until 2027. The funds are provided in the Regional Development Program 2021-2027 (RDP), which is managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW). In addition, more than BGN 750 million from the five cross-border co-operation programs with Greece, Turkey, Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Romania are expected to be implemented in joint projects in Bulgaria's border regions. The data was presented by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Delyana Ivanova during the regional meeting of mayors and chairmen of Municipal Councils from the South Central Planning Region, which took place in Plovdiv.
The initiative central and local authorities in our country have secured access to another BGN 2.5 billion under other European programs for cooperation and good neighborliness, such as the Danube Program, Euro-MED Program, Interreg-Europe, URBACT, ESPON 2030 Program, Interreg Program "NEXT Black Sea Basin, said Deputy Minister Ivanova. According to her, the Bulgarian authorities, municipalities and enterprising business have never had greater access to the resource than European solidarity. Only the most prepared and with a visionary approach will benefit from the opportunities provided and I urge all of you to seek information and take advantage of these opportunities, appeals Delyana Ivanova.
At the meeting with the mayors, she presented in detail the requirements of the Regional Development Program 2021-2027, so that the beneficiaries can now start preparing the projects for application.
The resource of BGN 7 billion is divided into four main priorities. The first of them is "Integrated Urban Development" worth BGN 1.047 billion. The ten largest municipalities in Bulgaria, which have been designated as growth centers, will compete for the distribution of this money. These are Vidin, Pleven, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, Burgas, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, Sofia, Blagoevgrad.
There are two obligatory conditions that the local authorities must comply with in order to receive funding for the projects, Deputy Minister Ivanova emphasized. The first is that the measures they want to implement are provided for in the integrated development plans of the municipalities, which have been developed by the municipal authorities in compliance with the bottom-up approach when proposing projects.
The second condition is that the projects with which the municipalities will apply for funding for road infrastructure, education, health, social policy and culture, to correspond to the maps for the needs of the sector, prepared by the relevant state bodies and to be reflected in integrated development plans. The candidates from each of the municipalities decide for themselves which projects to apply for, the Deputy Minister added. The integrated territorial strategies for the development of the regions define the medium-term goals, priorities and perspectives for sustainable integrated regional and local development on the territory of the respective region for planning the creation of an attractive living environment.
Priority 2 "Integrated Territorial Development of the Regions" has allocated BGN 2.5 billion. 40 medium and large municipalities will fight for them. These are the municipalities: Vratsa, Lovech, Lom, Montana, Troyan, Gabrovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Sevlievo, Razgrad, Svishtov, Silistra, Dobrich, Targovishte, Shumen, Sliven, Yambol, Nova Zagora, Aytos, Karnobat, Kazanlak, Svilengrad, Harmanli, Dimitrovgrad, Kardzhali, Haskovo, Asenovgrad, Velingrad, Smolyan, Pazardzhik, Peshtera, Panagyurishte, Karlovo, Botevgrad, Gotse Delchev, Dupnitsa, Kyustendil, Pernik, Petrich, Samokov and Sandanski.
This resource can be upgraded with funding from almost all other European programs, except for three of them - the Transport Connectivity Program, the Food and Material Assistance Program and the Technical Assistance Program.
In the third priority "Fair Energy Transition" BGN 3.2 billion have been provided, and they are provided for the districts of Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora. The aim is to make a smooth transition from coal-fired power plants to green energy. This part of the RDP will start at a later stage of the program so that all clarifications on these specific objectives can be completed.
What is new in the Regional Development Program 2021-2027 (RDP) is that it will finance the implementation of integrated territorial investment (ITI). They are an instrument of Cohesion Policy, which is being introduced in Bulgaria for the first time during the current programming period, said Delyana Ivanova. She explained that the EU aims to support proposed bottom-up projects. Local stakeholders will have a leading role in proposing projects, so that the most important investments for the respective territory can be identified and implemented. The priority in ITI will be the economic orientation, which opens the possibility for hybrid financing with other programs. Priority in the evaluation of proposed investments will be given to projects initiated by more than one stakeholder in the region. The goal is to achieve supra-municipal significance for any investment, the deputy minister said.
Delyana Ivanova also presented the opportunities for municipalities under the National Plan for Reconstruction and Sustainability. This is the measure for Support for sustainable energy renovation of the residential and non-residential building stock - renovation of public buildings in the country and renovation of buildings for production, trade and services.
An attractive scheme under the National Plan for Reconstruction and Development is Green Mobility. This is a pilot measure to support sustainable urban mobility through measures to develop environmentally friendly, safe, functional and energy efficient transport systems. It envisages the supply of zero-emission urban and interurban public transport vehicles, the construction of charging stations, the development of integrated transport systems to improve the efficiency of public transport and the introduction of safe urban mobility measures aimed at vulnerable pedestrians. and cyclists, explained Delyana Ivanova.
05.05.2022
NEW BRIDGES AND AN OLD FERRY ON THE DANUBE
Making the Danube a key transport corridor for Europe will be a common task for Bulgaria and Romania. This became clear after the meeting of the Prime Minister Kiril Petkov with the Prime Minister of Romania Nicolae Chuca.
A joint group with representatives of the two countries is expected to start work this week, discussing infrastructure projects that will make the Danube navigable year-round. The possibilities for building another bridge to Ruse and four others along the river, as well as dredging the waterway will also be considered. These initiatives will contribute to economic development and prosperity in the region, said Prime Minister Petkov. EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valian supported regional co-operation and highlighted the great potential of the Danube River in the context of the need for new export corridors.
The ferry line Ruse - Giurgiu will resume its activities. This became possible after the signing of an Agreement between Bulgaria and Romania on the opening of a Bulgarian-Romanian border checkpoint Ruse - Giurgiu - ferry. The opening of the border crossing point will significantly ease the traffic on the Bulgarian-Romanian border.
The decision to resume the ferry line was taken during a meeting with Minister Sorin Grindianu in January at the initiative of Minister Nikolay Sabev in Ruse.
During the plenary session of the two government delegations, the main topic was improving the transport connectivity of the two countries. The construction of a second bridge between Giurgiu and Ruse was discussed, for which European funding will be sought. The two countries will continue their joint work on launching the Danube dredging project and including it in the European Fast Danube program.
04.05.2022
THE SECOND PHASE OF JUMP FOR CEE - GOOGLE'S PROGRAM AND STARTUP WISE GUYS TO IMPROVE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS
Startup Wise Guys Foundation, the most experienced startup accelerator in Europe and one of the most active investment funds, has launched the second phase of Jump for CEE, supported by Google.org through the Impact Challenge for Central and Eastern Europe initiative. The Jump for CEE Entrepreneurship Training Program aims to attract 400 participants from Central and Eastern Europe to online seminars designed to reduce the negative economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
The second phase of the program will last from May to July 2022 and all events will be free for participants. The program will host a series of modules - concept hack, hackathon and pre-accelerator, which will help participants build entrepreneurial attitudes, learn the basics of business and create a network of colleagues and mentors.
The first module - Idea Hack, will take place on May 10 and 12 and will help participants shape their vision. The hackathon, scheduled for May 25-27, is a 48-hour event that will end with a presentation to a jury. The last module, the pre-accelerator, will be online for eight weeks.
The first phase of the Jump for CEE in 2021 attracted over 330 registrations from 31 countries, and 170 participants from Central and Eastern Europe and beyond benefited from the programme's activities. During the stage, an international network of mentors and experts helped form 17 teams that developed business ideas in various industries and sectors such as education, cybersecurity, payments, travel, agriculture, sports and mobility.
During our 10 years of work, we have achieved great success in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into a thriving business. We are now taking the opportunity to donate to society through our foundation. We strive to implement ambitious projects that help develop sustainable local and international startup ecosystems. We are excited to see that our partnership with Google.org is already exceeding expectations, inspiring and creating ambitious entrepreneurs from economically vulnerable groups, said Cristobal Alonso, Global CEO of Startup Wise Guys.
To apply for the Jump for CEE program, participants do not need to have a business or even a business plan. Any person or team from the region of Central and Eastern Europe - Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Hungary, Romania or elsewhere, with a good level of English and interest in the digital world, is good came to apply.
More information about the program and the application form can be found here: https://startupwiseguys.com/jumpforcee/
More about the Impact Challenge for Central and Eastern Europe
Google.org launched its Impact Challenge CEE initiative in 2021 to promote innovation and support people and businesses that have been negatively affected by the economic crisis caused by Covid-19. The program distributes more than 2 million euros to non-profit organizations, business organizations and academic institutions for the implementation of charitable projects. The Startup Wise Guys Foundation, recognized for its work with entrepreneurs in the region, was selected as a beneficiary of this initiative with its Jump for CEE accelerator. Under the program, the foundation is hosting a series of three-phase modules that run until December 2022.
More on Startup Wise Guys
Startup Wise Guys is the most experienced B2B startup accelerator in Europe and one of the most active investors in startup companies. Founded in Tallinn in 2012, SWG helps more than 600 entrepreneurs take their start-ups to the next level. To date, Startup Wise Guys has invested in more than 275 startups, with a success rate of over 77%. With a significant presence in the Nordic countries, Poland, Ukraine, Italy, Africa and the Balkans, SWG aims to become a program to accelerate any B2B startup that wants to grow worldwide. Startup Wise Guys has been named the hottest accelerator at the Europas Startup Awards 2021.
04.05.2022
THE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM FOR 2022 OF THE US EMBASSY IN BULGARIA
The US Embassy is accepting applications for funding under the Small Grants Program for the financial year 2022. The required forms are different from the previous ones.
Detailed information can be found on the program page in English: https://bg.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grant-opportunities/
The deadline for applications is September 1, 2022. Applications received before this date will be periodically reviewed every two months (February, April, June and September) and applicants will be notified of the committee's decisions.
04.05.2022
FINANCING SESSION - 2022 OF THE MUNICIPAL FUND FOR SUPPORT OF LOCAL INITIATIVES - MONTANA
The purpose of the financial support from the Fund is to realize the benefits and impacts of the implementation of approaches and practices with the participation of the community in solving local problems, improving the environment and the quality of life of the community. The provided financial support is a guaranteed basic fund in the implementation of local community initiatives, in search of opportunities to mobilize additional funds for their implementation. The maximum amount with which the fund can support a local initiative is up to BGN 3,000.
Applicants can be organizations, community centers and civic groups that want to implement initiatives for the benefit of the local community. These are non-governmental organizations registered under the Law on Non-Profit Legal Entities (Non-Profit Legal Entities), community centers registered under the Law on Non-Profit Legal Entities, local cultural institutions and informal civic groups operating in the Municipality of Montana.
With the announcement of the current procedure for accepting project proposals, the partnership established in 2017 between AGORA Platform and the Municipality of Montana in the implementation of joint activities in the establishment and operation of the Municipal Fund for Support of Local Initiatives is continued and upgraded. The coordination of the procedure for the activity of the fund is carried out by the Administrator of the fund - "Agency for Regional Development and Business Center 2000".
The term for implementation of the initiatives can be from 2 to 6 months, starting from the date of signing the contract. The initiatives can be implemented in one or more settlements in the municipality of Montana.
The total budget of the fund for the fourth session is BGN 20,000, with BGN 12,000 provided by the Municipality of Montana and BGN 8,000 provided by the AGORA Platform.
Applications are sent on paper in a sealed envelope with the inscription to the office of the fund administrator at: "Agency for Regional Development and Business Center 2000", 2 Alexander Batenberg Street, Montana 3400.
The Fund Administrator will answer questions related to the Fund and the initiatives, but no later than two weeks before the deadline for submitting the forms. Questions related to the application procedure and procedure can be asked to: Ms. Georgiya Nikolova Dimitrova, Executive Director of the Regional Development Agency and Business Center 2000, tel. 096 300 760 and e-mail: office@arrbc-montana.org. The questions and answers will be published on the website of the Municipality of Montana and the website of the Agency.
The deadline for submitting the forms is May 14, 2022.
The package of documents required for application is available on the website of the Municipality of Montana, section "Announcements and announcements".
