08.04.2022
GREETINGS FROM THE CONSULTANCY CENTER - BERKOVITSA ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL ROMA DAY - APRIL 8
On April 8, we go back in history with the thought of the hundreds of thousands of Roma who died in Nazi camps - a sad reality that we have no right to forget, especially today if we want to build a future for a peaceful nation.
The integration of the Roma community is one of the highlights in the policy of the Municipality of Berkovitsa and the Consultancy center.
Only through education and inclusion can effective practices for overcoming discrimination be built. Let the Roma embrace their dreams, open their souls to knowledge, be aspiring, hardworking and believe in themselves and in the good.
08.04.2022
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF CHILDREN
Children are our sequel, so we need to start investing in their future when they are young. To ensure a good start in the lives of your children, it is important to create enough savings for a good education, and why not for a home, money for a wedding, start-up capital. Achieving this goal takes time, so if you haven't paid attention to this investment yet, do it today.
It is never too early to think about the future of our children. From the very beginning, you need to answer a few important questions about how much money you will need, when to start saving, how much to spend, and how to choose the right financial instruments for your savings. It is up to you whether you bet safely and save or take the risk of investing. Here's where to start and what to look for.
Children's savings account
Opening a children's savings account in your child's name is perhaps one of the most important things that will determine the future of your generation. When you are a young parent, you are probably thinking mainly about your current needs as a family, and you are somehow ignoring the more distant future that lies ahead and will come sooner than you expect.
Children's savings deposits secure the future of your heirs. You could set different conditions for spending the amount. This type of deposit is a special offer for children who have not reached the age of majority. You could save money at any time to withdraw if necessary, as well as deposit various amounts in any currency, even through your online banking.
Child insurance
Life savings insurance is a way of better education and a good financial start for the child in adulthood. These insurances can be taken out by a parent or other adult, such as grandparents, with the consent of the parent, as the risk in most cases is on the health and life of the adult and the child is a beneficiary. The term of the insurance is in accordance with the age of the child, so that at the end of the year he is an adult and can have the funds for his education, regardless of how much insurance benefits are paid during the contract.
The sum insured can also be paid in the form of a scholarship for several years, and an additional guaranteed return is added to the amount. By receiving the money as a lump sum or in installments for a certain number of years, the young person can invest his money in education, start his own business or cover part of his expenses without relying on his parents.
Property purchase
Owning your own property in our country continues to be a traditional and preferred way to invest. Many parents decide to provide a good independent income for their child in the future by buying a home in which they will one day be able to live, rent or sell. Ideally, you will have enough money to give an equal material start to all your children, but in life this rarely happens.
There is an option for parents who do not have enough money to buy an apartment, house or plot - to buy shares in a joint stock company that invests in real estate or agricultural land - REIT. These companies are required to distribute 90% of their profits each year (if any) as dividends, so you can receive annual income to reinvest in the company (to buy another square meter each year) until adulthood to your child.
Education
A Chinese proverb says: "If you think about the year ahead - sow an annual crop. If you are thinking about a decade ahead - plant a tree. But if you think a century ahead, educate people“. Education is one of the most important things parents can give their children. This is not about saving for possible future studies, but about acquiring practical skills in the present.
Learning a new language or programming, for example, is an extremely important investment that you can make with your child at an early school age. Do not underestimate disciplines such as sports, music, painting, acting and other fields of art. Just take into account your child's talents and interests, enroll him in the desired course and give him the opportunity to develop his skills.
Capital market investments
As interest rates on bank deposits have melted, capital market investments are becoming an increasingly sought-after alternative. The possibilities are numerous and it is good to consult in advance with professionals - financial and investment advisers - regarding your future investments in financial instruments (stocks, bonds, fund units, etc.).
It is easiest to start with mutual funds. You don't have to start with a large amount, as your investments are combined with those of other investors and managed as a "package". Among the many funds in equities, bonds or mixed (balanced), you can choose a fund that meets your preferences - risky, less risky, balanced. As a rule, the profit is directly proportional to the risk taken. Thus, depending on your choice, with a longer-term investment, for example for 18 years, you can save money for the entire study of your child and provide it to him when he comes of age.
Hereditary business
If you have a business acumen, maybe now is the time to grow your business for your children to inherit. There are many examples of passing on a profession and business from generation to generation. There are many advantages for children to inherit the craft (or business) of their parents - in addition to the material base (whether factory, office, dentist's office or restaurant), professional contacts, distribution channels (or customers), but the most important thing that entrepreneurial experience is also inherited.
Your successors will be far ahead of their new entrants. This investment in the future of children has only one drawback - it depends on their desire. They may simply not want to follow in their parents' footsteps. Therefore, if your children are old enough, discuss your idea with them before realizing your idea of starting a new business.
08.04.2022
NEW RULES FOR COLLECTING MONEY FROM DEBTORS
Debt collection companies are prohibited from using methods such as harassment, coercion, threats, insults or physical violence to force debtors to pay their debts. This is provided by the Bill on collection of receivables under consumer contracts, submitted to the National Assembly. The activity of the debt collectors for over 30 years has been without legal regulation, and hence without the possibility of control by the institutions, reads the reasons for the bill.
Practice shows that these companies harass relatives of citizens who they consider debtors, harass them at work and in their homes, colleagues and neighbors, including by disseminating various types of information in public.
Undoubtedly, in these difficult times of pandemic and rising inflation through rising food prices and household bills, many Bulgarian households may be affected by this activity, which requires it to be regulated by law.
Therefore, the bill prohibits collectors from harassing citizens at their workplaces and at home, discrediting them in front of colleagues and their employer, as well as posting debt reports in public places. When looking for the debtor, they will have the right to do so only in writing or by telephone and no more often than an interval of 2 working days.
Ringing is also prohibited on weekends and between 20:00 and 7:00. The same prohibitions are expected to apply to original creditors. The law provides only for the companies entered in a special unified register with the Minister of Economy and Industry, and the companies entered in the register under Art. 3a of the Credit Institutions Act, to be able to collect receivables from consumers. They will be controlled by the Consumer Protection Commission under the Minister of Economy and Industry.
Requirements are introduced for the registration of debt collection companies - capital of BGN 500,000 and professional liability insurance. Individuals are prohibited from collecting debts. Convicted persons are prohibited from owning, managing or being in labor relations with collection companies.
In case of three consecutive violations of the rules for collection of receivables within one year, the registration of the collection company is deleted.
If the consumer considers that he is not a debtor, he will be able to terminate the out-of-court collection by the buyer of the claim by challenging his obligation. It is also possible for him to turn to an alternative dispute resolution body.
The original creditor is obliged to notify the debtor before transferring his claim to a debt collection company. The notification must contain data on the amount of the receivable, its basis, when the due date came into force, what amounts have been paid so far and which is the company to which the receivable will be transferred.
The original creditor will be obliged to enable the debtor to voluntarily fulfill his obligation within 14 days by specifying a bank account or other method of payment. The original creditor or the purchaser of the receivable, depending on who has the documents that establish and are related to the receivable, will be obliged to provide copies of them to the consumer at the written request of the consumer.
Debt collection companies are prohibited from levying on the principal any fees and expenses other than statutory interest.
The proposed draft law also introduces rules for the management and servicing of receivables when they are not directly transferred and the collection company collects the debt on behalf of the original creditor. Debt management companies must also meet certain requirements and be entered in the single register of debt collection companies. They are subject to the same rules on how to search for the debtor, as well as prohibitions on harassing relatives, colleagues, posting information about debt in public places and at work, calling late at night or on weekends.
A receivables collection company that systematically violates the rules will be deleted from the register, thus terminating the receivables collection activity.
Sanctions in the amount of BGN 10,000 to 50,000 are envisaged for violations committed by collection companies during the collection of receivables.
The proposed legislative changes aim to set rules and restrictions on the work of debt collection companies so as to ensure transparent and conscientious work, striking a balance between the ability of creditors to seek their claims in a legal, regulated manner and strict protection of human rights and consumer dignity.
08.04.2022
BDB OFFERS COMPANIES WORKING CAPITAL LOANS AGAINST HIGH INFLATION
The Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) is offering small and medium-sized enterprises a new method for overcoming the negative effects of high inflation, the institution said.
The program provides working capital loans of up to BGN 200,000 for companies that want to buy raw materials at current prices and thus prevent higher costs in the future. This will help them keep the price of the final product they produce without anticipating a recent increase.
The volume of the program is BGN 10 million, and the loans that will be granted under it - credit lines and overdrafts, will be unsecured.
The bank will guarantee its receivables through co-payment from the owners or another company.
04.04.2022
CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND LEAVE ARE PROPOSED
The employer must now be obliged to notify the employee in writing in case of changes in his employment contract. This is provided by amendments to the Labor Code, proposed for public discussion by the Minister of Social Affairs Georgi Gyokov. The boss will have to inform the employee about the news no later than their entry into force, and not as before - as soon as possible or within a month. The aim is to make the information known to the worker in time to ensure transparency regarding working conditions and to avoid possible labor disputes, the social minister said in a report.
Another change that is being proposed concerns the employment contract with a probationary period. The law now allows the parties to agree on a probationary period of up to 6 months, no matter for how long the employment contract will be concluded. It is now recorded that when it is for a period of less than one year, the probationary period may be up to two months.
It is also envisaged that the employee has the right to conclude an additional employment contract with another employer, outside the established working hours under the main employment relationship, unless otherwise agreed in it. Thus, the main employment contract may prohibit the conclusion of a second one without any reason. The amendment of the provision preserves the possibility of prohibiting additional work with another employer, only for the protection of trade secrets and the prevention of conflicts of interest. The proposed amendment also complies with the requirements of the European directive, according to which the employer cannot prohibit the employee from working secondarily, except in explicit cases.
Currently, the Labor Code prohibits the employer and the employee from unilaterally changing the contract, except for business trips, declared a state of emergency or declared an emergency epidemic situation, employment, etc. The change now allows the employee to propose to the boss a change in the contract in order to switch from a fixed-term employment contract to a permanent contract and/or from part-time work to full-time work. If the employer does not accept the offer, he is obliged to notify the employee in writing within 1 month, motivating his refusal. This creates a guarantee that the employer will consider the proposal and will state objective reasons for its rejection, reads the reasoning.
Another change proposed by the MLSP is that the employer is obliged to acquaint the employees with the rules and procedures for determining the individual salary, to provide information on the terms and conditions for termination of the employment contract, as well as on the training provided by him. professional qualification and improvement of professional skills.
The draft law also introduces changes to improve the reconciliation of work and family responsibilities of their employees. For this purpose, the right to two months of leave for raising a child up to 8 years of age is offered by the father (adoptive parent), during which he receives compensation from the National Social Security Institute. Currently, the right to leave due to pregnancy and childbirth, in the case of adoption of a child under 5 years of age, for raising a child under 2 years of age is an individual right of the mother (adoptive mother), which she can transfer to the father after 6-monthly age of the child. Maternity leave and parental leave have traditionally been considered a right guaranteed to the mother in view of the relationship she has with the young child. Therefore, so far the rights of the father to these types of leave are entirely dependent on the will of the mother, wrote in his reasons the Minister of Social Affairs Georgi Gyokov. Under current law, each parent is entitled to 6 months of unpaid leave until the child reaches the age of 8, of which 5 months can be transferred to the other parent.
The father's leave for caring for a child can be used all at once or in parts, the bill says. The right will be exercised if the father has not used leave transferred to him by the child's mother. To receive leave, he must notify his employer at least 10 days in advance.
The bill also stipulates that if an employee requests a change in his working hours for a certain period, the employer must give him a reasoned answer as to why he accepts this proposal or not. The boss will be required to consider requests for flexible working schemes and respond within a reasonable time, taking into account the needs of both the company and the employee.
The changes should take effect on August 1 this year.
01.04.2022
LIVING AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN BULGARIA AND SPAIN
Two online meetings on "Living and working conditions", organized by the Employment Agency through EURES Bulgaria in cooperation with EURES Spain, are forthcoming in April. During the meetings, general information will be provided about each country, the labor market in it, where people can look for work, working conditions and living conditions.
The first online event "Living and working conditions in Spain" will be held on April 7 at 11 am Bulgarian time and will be aimed at Bulgarians who are interested in living and working in Spain.
The second meeting "Living and working conditions in Bulgaria" will be held on April 12 at 11 am Bulgarian time and will be aimed at Spaniards who are interested in living and working in Bulgaria, as well as potentially returning Bulgarians who want to receive up-to-date information on the situation on the labor market in Bulgaria. In addition to general topics, information from the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) in connection with the social security status of people moving from Spain to Bulgaria will be presented, as well as information about specific jobs in Bulgaria.
Both meetings will be held through an online platform and require prior registration by sending an email to EURES National Coordination Office, Bulgaria, by email: eures@az.government.bg.
The language of the online meetings will be English, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions via chat, and the expected duration will be about an hour and a half.
01.04.2022
DIGITAL SKILLS IN THE EU AND BULGARIA
In 2021, 54 percent of people in the EU aged 16 to 74 had at least basic general digital skills, according to Eurostat.
In 2021, the share of people aged 16 to 74 who had at least basic general digital skills was highest in the Netherlands and Finland (79 per cent in both countries), followed by Ireland (70 per cent). On the other hand, the lowest share was registered in Romania (28 percent), followed by Bulgaria (31 percent) and Poland (43 percent).
Digital skills indicators are key performance indicators in the context of the Digital Decade, which presents the EU's vision for digital transformation. The "digital compass" aims for 80 percent of EU citizens aged 16 to 74 to have at least basic digital skills by 2030.
01.04.2022
URSULA VON DER LEYEN ARRIVES IN BULGARIA ON APRIL 8
At the invitation of Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will pay a visit to Sofia on April 8. During her visit to Bulgaria, she will personally present the European Commission's assessment of the Bulgarian Recovery and Sustainability Plan (RSP) and its compliance with European requirements, the Council of Ministers announced.
During his visit to Bulgaria, the President of the European Commission will hold a meeting with the Prime Minister, after which the two leaders will give a joint press conference for media representatives. The program also envisages Kiril Petkov and Ursula von der Layen to visit projects whose implementation is related to RSP.
The Recovery and Sustainability Plan of Bulgaria was submitted on October 15, 2021. In the framework of the assessment, the EC stressed the need for changes in areas such as energy, rule of law and transport in order to comply with European requirements.
One of the major changes in the RSP was in the field of energy with the abolition of the project to build a large steam and gas plant. This would increase Bulgaria's energy dependence on imported raw materials. The project has been replaced by measures to accelerate the construction of new low-cost renewables, the storage of low-cost energy to be used during peak hours, and the full use of coal capacity when needed.
According to other measures in the plan agreed by the cabinet, the business environment will be significantly improved by strengthening the accountability of the Prosecutor General, by providing digital administrative services and improving transparency and competition in public procurement. The business will be supported by grant funding, financial instruments and support for the construction of industrial parks.
Significant investments in infrastructure will directly improve the lives of Bulgarian citizens. The changes in the plan made by the government envisage the development of modern, high-speed and comfortable railway transport on intercity lines and urban railways in large cities, access to high-speed Internet in sparsely populated areas and reduction of water losses.
It is planned to purchase 42 new trains for suburban areas, 20 electric trains for intercity lines and 18 locomotives for suburban and intercity railways.
The measures in the plan in the field of education and social sphere will support the renovation and construction of schools, the emergency line 112 will be modernized, modern medical equipment will be purchased and an air ambulance system will be built. Social assistance measures will be strengthened and the minimum income will be increased.
01.04.2022
DOES QUARANTINE REMAIN FOR COVID PATIENTS?
As of today, the obligatory wearing of masks in shops, public buildings, schools and public transport is abolished. However, health authorities recommend wearing masks in hospitals and public transport, keeping a distance and continuing vaccination.
The requirement for a certificate for vaccination, disease or a negative test for KOVID upon entering Bulgaria remains in force. The quarantine remains - for infected it is 10 days, and for contact - 7.
The Minister of Health will be able to introduce anti-epidemic measures depending on the situation.
It is envisaged that this will be done at the local level by orders of the directors of the Regional Health Inspectorates, the National Assembly decided with the adoption at first reading of amendments to the Health Act.
The changes envisage first-line medics continuing for another three months - until the end of June - to receive additional money to work with Covid patients.
Students who, for health and other valid reasons, are unable to return to class will be eligible for online learning for another 30 days.
There is no longer a requirement to keep a physical distance, and there is no limit to the number of people who can gather in one place. Restaurants, malls and theaters operate without capacity limitations.
The recommended work from home is also dropped.
31.03.2022
DECLINE IN UNEMPLOYMENT IN BULGARIA AND THE EU IN FEBRUARY
Unemployment in the EU and Bulgaria declined in February as the European economy rebounded from the coronavirus crisis last month despite soaring energy prices and the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, according to official Eurostat statistics.
Across the EU, the unemployment rate fell to 6.2% in February from 6.3% in January and well below the 7.5% level reached in February 2021.
Within the euro area, unemployment fell to a record low of 6.8% last month from 6.9% in January and well below 8.2% in February 2021. This is the lowest unemployment rate in the eurozone since 1998. - just before the launch of the euro in January 1999.
For Bulgaria, Eurostat data show that unemployment in February fell to 4.4% from 4.5% a month earlier and below 6% in February 2021.
According to European statistics, a total of 13.267 million Europeans, of whom 11.155 million from the euro area, were out of work in February, with a decrease of 221,000 in the EU and a decrease of 181,000 in the euro area compared to January.
Compared to a year earlier, unemployment in the EU fell in February by 2.568 million, and within the euro area - by 2.150 million.
According to Eurostat data, in February 2022 there were 144,000 unemployed in Bulgaria, down from 146,000 in January and compared to 197,000 unemployed in February 2021.
