25.03.2022
THE EU GIVES 11 MILLION EUROS TO OUR FARMERS BECAUSE OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE
10 million and 611 thousand euros is the extraordinary aid that Bulgarian farmers will receive because of the war in Ukraine. Information on support for the European agricultural sector has already been published in the Official Journal of the EU.
EUR 500 million is the total budget of the aid that the EU votes for European farmers. The guideline is that Member States should distribute aid through the most efficient channels possible on the basis of criteria that take into account the degree of market disruption in the various sectors.
Of this total amount, nearly 11 million euros are due to Bulgaria, as the amount set for each of the member states would compensate only part of the actual losses incurred by producers due to the war in Ukraine.
Brussels has decided to give Member States the opportunity to provide additional national support to their farmers. Given the scale of the current crisis, this additional national aid may exceptionally exceed twice the corresponding amounts set out in the regulation. That is, if possible, Bulgaria has the right to supplement the amount of farmers with more than 20 million euros.
In order to ensure that producers have access to the aid as quickly as possible, Member States have the right to apply the regulation immediately after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
25.03.2022
THREE TYPES OF SOCIAL BENEFITS ARE OPEN TO UKRAINIANS
Refugees from Ukraine who have already been issued a registration card for temporary protection can apply for assistance from the social services of Bulgaria. For this purpose, they must submit an application to the Social Assistance Directorate at the current address and present their registration card for temporary protection, as well as an identity document from the country of origin, the Social Assistance Agency announced.
The benefits will be granted after a social survey, which establishes all the circumstances of social, family, household and health nature, the agency explained.
One option for Ukrainians in our social assistance system is a one-time assistance for incidental health, education, utilities and other vital needs, which is BGN 375. According to instructions published to Ukrainians on the website of the ASA, they are entitled to a monthly social assistance. However, this type of support is conditional - 4 hours of community service must be worked for a period of 14 days each month.
Along with the one-time and monthly social assistance, there is a third type of assistance, which is little known - to cover the cost of issuing an ID card. Bulgarian citizens fleeing the war, for example, could benefit from it.
The money will be disbursed both in cash and by bank, the ASA clarifies. That is, the lack of a bank account should not be an obstacle. However, it remains to be seen how exactly the right to assistance will be assessed due to the specific circumstances of many of the Ukrainians who have found shelter in our country. Usually in our country an examination of the property status of the candidate is made, whether he has side income, whether he has recently had a sale of significant property, etc.
Social benefits will be the first direct cash assistance to Ukrainians from the budget. Compared to other European countries on the waterfront, Bulgaria has chosen to pay not to the refugees themselves, but to the hotels that accommodate them. Accommodation will receive BGN 40 per day per accommodated refugee. This amount includes bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and according to some not very clear statements of the headquarters - and transport.
At the moment, more than 113,000 people from Ukraine have entered Bulgaria and about 60,000 remain, with an average of one third of them children, Deputy Prime Minister Kalina Konstantinova told BTA yesterday. Over 70% of the remaining are accommodated in hotel, state and municipal bases. The remaining 30% choose to stay with relatives, friends or in private homes. Nearly 6,000 people have already received temporary protection.
VOUCHERS AND AID FOR UKRAINIANS SHELTERED BY PRIVATE PERSONS
The introduction of a system for providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees sheltered by private individuals who provide their homes free of charge is currently being discussed. This was said from the parliamentary rostrum by Georgi Gokov, Minister of Labor and Social Policy.
The Minister also said that the preliminary estimates of the additional funds from the REACT EU instrument show that up to about 50 thousand people can be provided vouchers worth BGN 100 to provide food and basic necessities. This voucher will be used to purchase basic necessities, baby food, children's clothing, school supplies, hygiene materials and other essential products. It is envisaged that the vouchers will be provided by the social assistance directorates, and the option of people receiving them at the initial reception points is being discussed. The voucher will be given once to the persons who have received temporary protection. An additional voucher can be obtained after assessing the needs and assessing specific circumstances such as age, health or other circumstances that prevent the basic necessities of life. The assessment will be performed by social workers from the territorial divisions of the Social Assistance Agency. Vouchers can be used in stores in the country.
What are the social rights of refugees with temporary protection status - information in Bulgarian and Ukrainian.
CONSULTATIONS
On 0800 88 001 the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy provides free consultations in Bulgarian, Russian and English to Ukrainian citizens on access to the labor market in Bulgaria and opportunities for social support for children and families every working day from 9.00 to 17.30.
24.03.2022
NEARLY 59,000 ARE NEW UNEMPLOYED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR
The number of registered unemployed in the labor offices for the period from the beginning of 2022 to March 20 reached nearly 59,000 people (58,968).
This is shown by the data from the specialized labor market monitoring due to Covid-19 of the National Statistical Institute and the Employment Agency.
At the same time, for the period from January 3 to March 20, just under 35,000 people started work (34,898).
From the beginning of 2022, there is a lasting trend for the predominance of those enrolled in employment offices over those employed.
In the last observed week (March 14-20), the newly registered unemployed in the country were 4,763, and the number of unemployed was 3,502.
In the period March 14-20, most were registered in the labor offices in the districts of Plovdiv (457) and Sofia-capital (452). At the same time, most of those who came to work were in Plovdiv (294) and Sofia (287), according to preliminary NSI data.
18.03.2022
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: BROCHURE MARKETING CAMPAIGN - FOUR FACTORS FOR SUCCESS
Brochures are still one of the most influential tools through which retailers and brands communicate their offers. However, many things have changed since the pandemic began. There are more and more innovative ways of advertising due to the growing opportunities provided by the online space (such as IKEA's approach to helping its customers design their kitchen online).
With the development of the metaverse, artificial intelligence and other similar technologies, it is no coincidence that digital advertising tools are becoming increasingly popular.
If you are planning to distribute brochures in 2022, there are many opportunities to do so effectively. Here are four key factors to consider when planning your brochure distribution campaign.
Do not give in to emotions and do not rely only on your inner feelings, but take the time to plan everything rationally from start to finish. There are many things to consider, such as who and how can distribute brochures - these days it's not so easy because you can't leave paper leaflets in every mailbox. That's why it's worth considering distributing digital brochures.
Another reason to bet on the digital format is the rising price of paper in Europe. The future has a lot to offer companies that choose digital brochures in addition to paper ones.
Think about your target group. Do you want to present your offers to a well-known audience, or are you trying to reach new people? Think about what consumers like and what they are looking for. It is also important to consider the products you will be communicating. With online advertising, you can easily and accurately target each of your offerings to reach the desired audience.
You may have seen some great ads before, but make sure you make yours unique. As many competitors use the brochure as a marketing tool, the distinctiveness, clarity and uniqueness of your offers are crucial.
Simple things, such as colors, can have a big impact on how a user perceives your brochure. For example, while clear and bold graphics work well for some buyers, for others, more minimalist ads will work better.
In the report "The Impact of Colors on Marketing", researchers found that buyers make an initial assessment of a product or website within 90 seconds and that 62-90% of it is based on color alone. Similarly, in a Statista report, 42% of women say that color is an important factor when buying clothes.
With digital brochure distribution, you can easily test different colors and elements to see which ones will reach your target audience in the most effective way.
Encourage consumers to take action. Many people have become more price sensitive due to the pandemic, so adding vouchers, discounts or special offers for a limited time is a great way to motivate customers to take a step towards buying. You will need a compelling message to get customers to buy from you. Be clear about what, when, where and how much they can buy.
Make sure you can measure your campaign performance. With digital brochures, it's very easy to check how well a campaign is working and whether it's reaching the right audience.
18.03.2022
CONTINENTAL IS INVESTING ANOTHER 150M EUROS IN ROMANIA
German carmaker Continental has invested another 150m euros in 2021 in its Romanian business and plans to invest the same amount this year.
In recent years, the giant has invested an average of 150m euros a year in its Romanian business. From 1999 to 2021, Continental invested more than 2 billion euros in Romania.
The company intends to invest in projects to expand its buildings and new equipment for its engineering centers, as well as its tires, electronic components and factories ContiTech in 2022, said in a press release from Continental, quoted by SeeNews.
By the end of 2021, Continental has more than 17,500 employees in its engineering centers and production facilities in Romania. They are 2,600 fewer than the company's employees by the end of 2020. The difference is due to the separation of the propulsion systems division from the Continental Group in 2019. The division was renamed Vitesco Technologies.
All 3 divisions of the company are represented in Romania. Continental has 6 plants and 4 engineering centers in Timisoara, Sibiu, Carey, Nadab, Brasov and Iasi. The company also has a tire distribution center in Bucharest.
Continental has more than 230,000 employees and is the fourth largest tire manufacturer in the world with tens of billions of euros in annual turnover. It also manufactures braking systems, internal electronics, automotive safety, chassis drives and components, tachographs, tires and other parts for the automotive and transportation industries. Its customers are all major manufacturers of cars, trucks and buses.
18.03.2022
ROMANIA APPROVES ELECTRICITY AND GAS PRICE CEILING FOR 1 YEAR
The Romanian government has approved an emergency decree to set a one-year ceiling on electricity and gas prices for both household and industrial consumers, Minister Virgil Popescu was quoted as saying by Agerpress.
"Romanians will have the support of the government to pay for energy bills for another year! The new measures, which take effect on April 1st, will benefit 8 million households for electricity and all households for natural gas, regardless of consumption", pointed out the Minister of Energy.
The price of electricity will be up to RON 0.68 per kilowatt-hour (the euro is exchanged for RON 4.95) including VAT for household consumers, whose average monthly consumption in 2021 was up to 100 kilowatt-hours. Household consumers, whose average monthly consumption in 2021 was between 100 and 300 kilowatt-hours, will pay up to RON 0.8 per kilowatt-hour.
The price of gas will be up to RON 0.31 per kilowatt-hour including VAT.
For non-household consumers, the price of electricity will be up to RON 1 per kilowatt-hour with VAT, and for gas - up to RON 0.37 per kilowatt-hour with VAT for annual gas consumption in 2021 up to 50,000 kilowatt-hours, as well as for heat producers, intended for other customers.
18.03.2022
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: WHAT IS BRANDING AND WHY IS IT NEEDED?
Brand and branding are important components of any company that plans to develop and expand its influence in the market. Specialists from the advertising agency Rebrand.bg advise you to place your outdoor advertising in prominent places such as shop windows, billboards, megaboards, on the facade of a large building or on a car. In this way, the information will reach more customers who will get to know your brand. According to Rebrand, for best results it is good to use wide format printing.
What is branding
Creating a positive image of the company, its distribution and consolidation in the minds of the client. In simple words, this is brand management. Outdoor advertising includes a range of marketing activities to develop the image and maintain long-term relationships with the consumer. Thanks to it, a unique style is created, the value of the product increases and trust in the company is formed.
What is branding for?
The main goal of outdoor advertising is for the company to stand out among its competitors. It must create a clear, understandable and positive vision to increase the visibility and loyalty to the company.
Outdoor advertising is used for:
Outdoor advertising should show the importance and value of your product to the audience, as well as distinguish the company from competitors.
Types of branding
The most important elements of outdoor advertising are bright colors and memorable symbols and inscriptions that will be easily perceived by customers. The main types of branding are:
personal brand - also called personal branding - is the promotion of a media person, as well as the formation of a certain opinion about him. This type became especially popular with the development of social networks and the emergence of experienced bloggers, influencers and other celebrities;
company branding - this is the development of culture, philosophy, mission within the company. An example is Google's human resources policy, which encourages the ideas of professionals;
political branding - it includes election campaigns of candidates, slogans, party symbols and advertising videos. This may include both a representative of the political sphere and the whole organization;
product branding - in this type the logo, design and packaging are important, as well as the philosophy and value of the product. The main task of the brand is to stand out from the competition.
18.03.2022
THE WORKFORCE IN 2021
In 2021, the economically active persons aged 15-64 were 3,155.3 thousand or 72.0% of the population of the same age, according to NSI data. Compared to 2020, the economic activity rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points.
18.03.2022
THE HEALTH INSURANCE FUND WILL NOW PAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
As of July 1 this year, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will be responsible for granting, reporting, controlling, paying for and repairing aids for people with disabilities. This was said by the manager of the National Health Insurance Fund Petko Salchev during his hearing in the National Assembly, BTA reports.
The funds for the payment of the aids will be provided through a transfer from the Ministry of Health.
The transfer of benefits from the Social Assistance Agency to the NHIF and the preparation of the Mechanism for payment of benefits from the Health Fund is a process that began 12 years ago. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the aids are medical devices and the therapy prescribed with them is a type of medical activity that must be paid for by the health system.
The Health Insurance Fund has started a procedure for negotiating the value of the aids. An application has been assigned and currently Information Services AD is working on it to create a software product for electronic prescribing, granting, payment and repair of aids.
Testing of the software product is forthcoming on May 1, and testing with the dealers of aids is expected to be carried out throughout June, and to be put into operation on July 1.
It is planned that the procedure for negotiating the values of the aids will be completed in mid-May and all deadlines will be completed by the end of June, so that the NHIF can administer this process from July 1.
17.03.2022
BECOME PART OF THE EUROPEAN WEEK OF PROFESSIONAL SKILLS - 2022
In May 2022, the sixth edition of the European Week of Vocational Skills will take place - the week in which events are organized at local, regional, national and EU level related to the promotion of vocational education and training and enabling presentation of good practices.
Launched in 2016, the European Commission's initiative brings together all stakeholders - teachers, organizations, trainees and teachers - to show the many benefits that VET offers to both young people and older learners. Looking at the skills that will be sought in the coming years, as well as the realities of the current labor market, VET aims to offer everyone the necessary adequate skills to reach their true potential.
This year, the Week will take place from 16 to 20 May across Europe, with a focus on the "green transition". The theme is in line with the European Commission's commitment to taking all necessary steps to make Europe carbon neutral by 2050, a large-scale initiative known as the European Green Deal, which includes providing European citizens with the skills needed for this transition.
The events organized by the European Commission will take place on 18 and 19 May 2022 - including the VET Excellence Awards.
You can take part in the program or dedicate an event organized by you to the European Week of Professional Skills.
Detailed information on the various initiatives and ways of involvement can be found at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/social/vocational-skills-week/index_en
