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.
31.03.2022
NSSI LAUNCHES THE PROPHYLACTIC AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR 2022
From April 1 this year the implementation of the program for prophylactic and rehabilitation for 2022 begins. For its financial realization in the Law on the Budget of the State Social Insurance (SSI) for 2022 BGN 25,239,000 are provided. It is expected that about 45,000 people will receive financial aid for prophylactic and rehabilitation this year.
The program for one person lasts 10 days, and the price of accommodation and partial food allowance in the amount of BGN 8.00 for each day of the stay is covered by the state social security. Each person, at the expense of the social security budget, has the right to use up to four basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures per day. Contracts have already been signed with 22 legal entities for a total of 52 establishments implementing the program.
Insured persons for general illness, maternity and/or occupational accidents and occupational diseases are entitled to financial assistance for prevention. Social security contributions must be paid or due for them for six consecutive calendar months preceding the month in which the rehabilitation takes place. The disease must be diagnostically specified and the attending physician must have identified the need for rehabilitation by the time of use of financial assistance.
Persons who receive a personal disability pension are also entitled. The condition for them is that they have not reached the age for acquiring the right to a pension for insurance length of service and age, the term of disability in the expert decision has not expired and the attending physician has identified the need for rehabilitation during the period of cash benefits.
Details on the conditions for using the program, the executors of the activity, the necessary documents and the diseases for which prevention and rehabilitation is carried out can be found in the menu "Benefits", submenu "Prophylactic and Rehabilitation" on the NSSI website.
31.03.2022
WHAT CHANGES IN SALARIES AND PENSIONS FROM TOMORROW
A new minimum wage comes into force tomorrow - it becomes BGN 710 compared to BGN 650 so far. The maximum insurance income is raised from BGN 3,000 to BGN 3,400, which will affect the people who receive the highest salaries. They will have to pay more insurance.
The unemployed will also receive more money - from tomorrow the minimum unemployment benefit will increase by BGN 6 - from BGN 12 to BGN 18, and the maximum - from BGN 74.29 to BGN 85.71 per day.
There is also an increase for disability pensions. People with 100% disability and the need for someone else's help will receive a separate, higher pension than other disability pensions, which are determined by the old-age social pension.
People with TEMC decisions for 100% disability and with someone else's help will receive BGN 272, and those between 91 and 100% must receive BGN 238 from April 1. For people with permanently reduced working capacity from 71 to 90%, the pension will be BGN 221.
The companies that give food vouchers can now give up to BGN 200 for coupons, and they can also be used to pay bills for electricity, heating, water, as well as to buy tickets for theater and cinema.
The cash benefit for raising a child up to 2 years of age is also increasing, which will be BGN 710 from tomorrow at BGN 650 until March 31. The maximum monthly amount of the guaranteed receivables of the employees will now be BGN 1,775, and a one-time assistance in case of death of an insured person - BGN 540.
30.03.2022
DRAFT NATIONAL STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA FOR EQUALITY, INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION OF ROMA 2021-2030 AND NATIONAL ACTION PLAN 2022-2023
In order to develop documents that reflect the current challenges at national and local level related to equality, inclusion and participation of Roma, from the beginning of 2022, discussions with civil society organizations and institutions have resumed.
The current drafts of the National Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of the Roma 2021-2030 and the National Action Plan for the period 2022-2023 include proposals of the civil sector, according to which the institutions have specified goals, measures, funding, deadlines.
The drafts of the National Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of the Roma 2021-2030 and the National Action Plan for the period 2022-2023 are published for public discussion by April 7, 2022.
For more information, visit the Public Consultation Portal.
30.03.2022
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THE DIFFICULT TRANSFORMATION
Today, companies are facing uncertain times and significant transformations. This means that today's leaders will also have to adapt to the ever-changing environment.
The companies that are most successful in the digital age are led by leaders who keep learning, evolving and changing. In other words, these are leaders who are not afraid to violate their own leadership approach.
Paul Lanewand of PwC and Mahadeva Matt Mani dive deep into this topic in his new book, Beyond Digital, which explores how great leaders are transforming their organizations and playing a key role in shaping our future. The book is based on interviews with CEOs of some of the world's largest and most respected organizations, including Jane Fraser of Citigroup and Frans van Houten of Royal Philips.
In the book, the authors discuss several paradoxes of leadership and the way leaders find balance. For example, they talk about leadership types such as "technological humanist", "modest hero" or "honorable politician" - seemingly contradictory characteristics. In order for leaders to understand the contradictions in their management style and find the right balance, the authors recommend that they work on several things:
Get to know yourself better
Honesty is always important, especially for leaders. "The most successful of the interviewed leaders are those who take a step back and think about what they are good at, what their organization needs and what areas they are not doing best and need to continue working to gain more competence. However, they are not satisfied with self-analysis alone. They gather information and seek feedback from everyone - boss, colleagues, customers, friends and relatives," says Lanewand.
Take, for example, Van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips. When taking responsibility for a new region in which the company is growing its business, Van Houten explains that the then CEO of Philips sent him there "to learn to lead people, not just behave like a smart guy in class."
"Van Houten's whole journey is a great transformation. He became CEO of the semiconductor business in 2004 without being an expert in the field. In order to become a better leader, he repeatedly puts himself in situations that force him to learn and develop, "says Manny.
Use your strengths to overcome your weaknesses
Getting better at something you don't do very well is not so easy and time consuming. However, to speed up this process, you need to learn to take advantage of your strengths.
"We found that the best leaders use their strengths to build other skills they need. For example, if they are not creative but disciplined, they use this discipline to give themselves time for activities focused on creative thinking and to adhere to their schedule. If they are not very good at building social contacts, but are very organized, they develop a systematic approach and carefully plan their relationships with others," says Manny.
Study those who are different from you
Almost all of us have a tendency to build relationships with people who look and behave like us. However, leaders who do not go beyond their comfort zone and do not learn from others do themselves a disservice.
"We learn more from people who are not like us than from those who look like us," Lanewand said. "We have noticed that the best leaders are looking for people who have strengths and experience other than their own. They embraced diversity, even if it initially made them uncomfortable. These leaders then listened and learned. They adapted their leadership approach based on what they observed," he added.
Transformation is a time consuming task for you and your entire team. Your team depends on your ability to make the difficult decisions needed to succeed. While it may be difficult to find time to cultivate against the backdrop of the many tasks you are overwhelmed with, this would ultimately help you lead your company to a successful transformation in the digital age and beyond.
30.03.2022
THE "60 TO 40" JOB RETENTION MEASURE WILL RUN UNTIL 30 JUNE
The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy provides information on measures to support citizens and employers, which will continue to operate after the end of the epidemic:
The "60 to 40" measure will be extended until June 30, while maintaining the current conditions for support for job retention. Throughout 2022, up to 90 days of unpaid leave will be considered work and insurance experience.
Employers will receive funds from the state to maintain the employment of workers in the economic activities affected by Covid-19 until the end of the first half of 2022. This was decided by the government by adopting changes to Decree № 151 of the Council of Ministers of 2020, in which the conditions and the order for their payment are determined.
Funds will continue to be paid for employees who during the period from March 13 to December 31, 2020 worked part-time, used leave under Art. 173a of the Labor Code or their work has been suspended due to temporary restrictions on activities.
The companies established before January 1, 2020, will receive from the state 60 percent of the insurance income of employees for October 2021 and from the insurance contributions at the expense of the employer. To be eligible, their sales revenue in the month for which they apply for funds must have decreased by at least 40% compared to the average monthly revenue for 2019. With a decrease of at least 30%, the support from the state will be 50 percent of the insurance income for October 2021 and from the insurance contributions at the expense of the employer.
Companies established after January 1, 2020 will be entitled to funds of 60 percent of the insurance income of employees for October 2021 and the insurance contributions at the expense of the employer, if their income from sales in the month for which apply for support, have decreased by not less than 40% compared to the average monthly income for 2020. With a decrease of not less than 30%, the state will support them with 50 percent of the insurance income for October 2021 and from the insurance contributions at the expense of the employer. Among the requirements for employers is that they have no obligations for taxes and compulsory social security contributions before January 1, 2021.
Employers will pay remuneration to employees for whom they received funds in an amount not less than the amount of insurance income for October 2021.
Employers applying for the payment of funds for May 2022 can submit applications until June 10, 2022. For the month of June, employers will apply under the terms, conditions and deadlines for May 2022. The funds will be transferred to the employer under bank transfer from the National Social Security Institute. Information on the terms and conditions for applying will be published on the website of the Employment Agency and announced in the directorates "Labor Office". The decree enters into force on March 1, 2022.
Covid supplements to the pensions of all pensioners, amounting to BGN 60, will be paid by the end of June 2022. The National Social Security Institute will continue to transfer the one-time supplement of BGN 75 to all pensioners who in the period from January 1 to June 30, 2022 complete a full course of vaccination against covid or have a first dose from 1 to 30 June. By June inclusive, compensatory supplements to the pensions of people who in January 2022 received a lower total amount from the collection of covid supplement and pension compared to December 2021 will be paid.
TEMC decisions that have expired during a state of emergency or epidemic will be valid until June 30. Until the same date, the term for payment of disability pensions by expert decisions that have expired during the state of emergency or the extraordinary epidemic situation is officially extended. These pensions will continue to be received after June 30, 2022, if by that time people have been re-certified and the National Social Security Institute has received data on the new term of disability.
