14.12.2021
ROMANIA: BULGARIAN WOMAN WITH A BLUEBERRY PLANTATION
Bulgarian Veneta Yorga lives in Romania and together with her husband produces the so-called American cultivated blueberry. They have a small plantation of 40 decares at the foot of Mount Fugaras, Julia Bahovski, creator of the only information portal for Bulgarians in Romania MyRoBiz, told BTA.
Every year at Christmas our compatriot makes gift baskets that contain family products - jam, syrups, compotes and even blueberry brandy.
Veneta was born in Plovdiv. He is an economist by education. She has been living in Bod, Brasov for 13 years and is the mother of two children - Mia and Alex. "I never thought that one day I would start a family in Romania.
Before I met my husband, whom we met at sea in Bulgaria and fell in love at first sight. Initially I was attracted by Brasov, which is very similar to Plovdiv on the hills and the Old Town. That's how I came, as if only as a guest, but I stayed," Veneta told MyRoBiz.
The following is part of Julia Bachowski's interview with Veneta Yorga.
Question: What were the main challenges you faced in the beginning and how did you overcome them?
It was quite difficult at first because I didn't know the language. The nostalgia for Bulgaria was huge. I had just finished my master's degree, I was trying to find a job in Brasov, but I couldn't. Proficiency in English and Russian was not enough.
In the second year, after a summer in America, and after many ideas in my head about what to do, I decided to open a representative store of a Bulgarian perfume brand in Brasov. I imported their products directly from their factory in Plovdiv. That's how I managed to visit my parents there. The following year I opened another store and so, talking to my colleagues and meeting many different people, I started learning the language very quickly. Along with the shops and now with one child, I helped my husband with accounting and administrative work in his business - then he was a partner of a famous telecommunications company.
So, for years, we managed to create a home, family, business together. But the stress was not small (at one time we even had 40 agents - brokers in six different cities), which made us calm down and take a different direction. Namely - agronomy. Obstacles and bureaucracy are everywhere, but opportunities are everywhere - you just have to find them.
Question: Could you tell us more about your business?
Our business is based mainly on the wholesale export of blueberries, but in the last three years we have also emphasized the local plan of distribution to end customers in Brasov - consumers, as well as many local confectioneries, small and large stores. We have contracts with companies from Bulgaria, Poland, Italy, which buy in bulk from us during the blueberry season. This fruit is relatively expensive, but very useful, especially for diabetics, a strong antioxidant and immunostimulant. More and more people are beginning to learn about its qualities and the consumption of blueberries is growing. But at the same time more and more new plantations are appearing, the competition is not small. Three years ago, we were one of the few producers who delivered fresh blueberries and a mix of fresh fruits to the home and office here in Brasov.
During the pandemic period, however, this type of distribution became more widespread. And to keep our regular customers, we started processing blueberries into jam, syrups, natural juices. We offer frozen, dried dehydrated blueberries, blueberry liqueur (affine) and blueberry brandy. But our business is not limited to blueberries. We are currently working on a new and quite large project in the field of fishing and tourism, which has long been our dream.
Question: What makes Romania attractive for living and doing business?
In Romania, people are not afraid or afraid to try and succeed. Here you can really see the higher standard of living, not only because of the minimum wage, which is higher than the Bulgarian one, but also because you can feel the positivism and professionalism that are appreciated.
14.12.2021
HOW WILL THE PENSIONS FROM CHRISTMAS BE RECALCULATED?
From December 25, 2021, important changes in the pension legislation will come into force, which will affect the amount of labor pensions. From this date, the amount of all pensions related to employment, which are granted with a starting date after December 24, 2021, will be calculated with a new weight for the years and months of service without conversion, the NSSI announced.
Until the amendment, a percentage of 1.2 for each year of insurance experience is applied, which from December 25, 2021 increases to 1.35 percent for each year of insurance experience without conversion, as well as the respective part of these percentages - for each month of insurance experience.
For pensioners who have insurance length of service under the conditions of the first and/or second category of work, the difference between their total length of service converted to the third category of work and their length of service without conversion continues to participate in determining the amount of pension by 1.2 per cent for each year of insurance experience and the respective proportional part of this percentage - for the months of insurance experience.
In view of the equality of pensioners, as of December 25, 2021, the NSSI will recalculate ex officio more than 2,000,000 pensions and allowances (including seniority and old-age pensions, disability pensions, survivors' pensions and widows' allowances) granted with starting date until 24 December 2021, inclusive, and in this recalculation the higher weight will be applied for each year and month of insurance without conversion.
The recalculation of the pensions will be carried out without changing the income from which each of them is calculated, after which its amount will be updated, recalculated and indexed in accordance with the legislation in force from the date of its granting until December 24, 2021 inclusive. The recalculation will be carried out only if it is more favorable for the pensioner.
Otherwise, the amount of the pension received until the date of the recalculation will be retained.
Individuals will start receiving the recalculated amounts of their pensions with the regular monthly payment for January 2022, and the difference between their old and new amounts for the seven days from December 25 to 31, 2021 will be paid to them.
An order will be issued for the recalculation of each pension, which will be served on the person upon request. Depending on the pensioner's wishes, the service can be performed on site at the reception of the respective territorial division of the NSSI, through a licensed postal operator by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt or through the Secure Electronic Service System of the State Agency for Electronic Government.
Persons with a Personal Identification Code (PIC) of the NSSI will be able to make a reference to the provisions concerning their pensions on the NSSI website after the beginning of January 2022.
From December 25, 2021, the minimum monthly amount of the pension for insurance length of service and age granted to persons who have completed the full insurance length of service required by law at the time of retirement shall be increased from BGN 300 to BGN 370.
On the basis of this amount, the minimum amounts of other types of pensions related to employment are determined, such as:
With the forthcoming changes, the pensioners who receive the minimum amount of the respective type of pension will reach 1,044,000 compared to 892,000 at the moment.
The maximum amount of one or more pensions received without supplements to them also increases - from BGN 1,440 to BGN 1,500. Thus, pensioners whose pensions are limited to the so-called "ceiling" of pensions will increase from about 27,500 to over 34,000.
It is expected that while maintaining the current parameters of the macro framework, the average amount of pensions from BGN 537.50 this year will increase to BGN 580.50 in 2022, which is an increase of about 8%. The accounts also include the one-off supplement to pensions paid in 2021 to all pensioners, known as the "covid supplement".
13.12.2021
DO WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO MORE LEAVE IF WE HAVE DISABILITY
What are the peculiarities of the organization of the leave of the employees with reduced working capacity of 50 and over 50%, what is their amount and can additional days be agreed?
According to the Labor Code, employees with permanently reduced working capacity of 50 and over 50% are entitled to paid annual leave of at least 26 working days.
That is, these persons are entitled to 6 working days more than the normal basic paid annual leave, established in the minimum amount of the Labor Code of 20 working days, due to the fact that they have permanently reduced working capacity.
The leave to which employees with permanently reduced working capacity of 50 and over 50 percent are entitled is, in essence, basic paid annual leave and is used on a specially provided legal basis (the 26 working days include 20 those working days under Article 155, paragraph 4 of the Labor Code).
A larger amount of this type of leave can be agreed in the collective agreement, as well as between the parties to the employment relationship.
The envisaged paid annual leave, in the amount of not less than 26 working days, is the main one for the employees with 50 and over 50 per cent lost working capacity and they are entitled to it separately and regardless of their right to additional paid annual leave for irregular working day.
According to the law, the employer, after consulting with the representatives of the trade unions and the representatives of the employees, may establish for some positions a non-standard working day, due to the special nature of the work.
With his order the employer determines the list of positions for which a non-standard working day is established. Employees for whose positions the employer has established a non-standard working day, if necessary, are obliged to perform their work duties after the expiration of the working hours.
Their "more" work is compensated by additional leave, and when the need requires work on weekends and holidays - with increased remuneration for overtime work. The minimum amount of additional paid annual leave for non-standard working day is 5 working days, and a larger amount can be agreed in a collective or individual employment contract.
Therefore, if the person's position is included in such a list, he will be entitled to additional paid annual leave of not less than 5 working days, but more if agreed in the collective or individual employment contract.
In conclusion, it should be borne in mind that the planned paid annual leave of at least 26 working days is essential for employees with 50 and over 50 percent disability and they are entitled to it separately and independently from their right to additional paid annual leave for a non-standard working day, established in the provisions of the Labor Code.
Reference:
Art. 155-156 of the Labor Code
Art. 139a of the Labor Code
Art. 319 LC Art. 7 of the Labor Code
13.12.2021
REGIONAL PROFILES 2021: DEVELOPMENT DURING A PANDEMIC
For the last year, the Institute for Market Economics has been presenting "Regional Profiles: Indicators of Development" - the only almanac of its kind on regional development in Bulgaria. The study is based on 66 indicators, which are evaluated by the economic and social community in the 28 regions of the country.
Economic development
The regional map of economic development in Bulgaria continues to be dominated by large economic centers. In 2019, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Sofia (capital) will reach over BGN 51 billion, which is close to 43% of the economy of the country. Outside the capital in Southern Bulgaria, the regions of Plovdiv (BGN 9.7 billion), Burgas (BGN 5.5 billion) and Stara Zagora (BGN 5.1 billion) appear. In the north it occupies a leading position Varna (BGN 7.7 billion), followed by Ruse (BGN 2.8 billion) and Veliko Tarnovo (BGN 2.6 billion). The small scale of the economic centers in Northern Bulgaria - with the exception of Varna, as well as the weaker connection between the two countries and the country.
The total value added per person from the population of the region is over 33 thousand. BGN in Sofia (capital) up to 7 thousand BGN in Silistra. Sofia's economy is heavily dominated by services, which account for nearly 87% of the value added. The capital has run over twice as many major economic centers - Varna, Stapa Zagopa and Plovdiv. In the second place in the country comes the region of Sofia, which includes the industry in the immediate periphery of the big capital city, but also in the country. In the region of Sofia, the industry plays a significant role in the regions of Stapa Zagopa, Bpaca and Gabpovo. The total economy is over 10% of the added value in the regions of Silistra, Vratsa, Montana, Razgrad, Dobrich, Targovishte, Shumen and Yambol. We can see that these are relatively poorer areas, located mainly in the northern part of the country.
The pandemic is breaking the positive dynamics on the market in Bulgaria. After for the first time in the recent history of the country the employment rate of the population aged 15-64 exceeded the limit of 70% (2019), in 2020 there was a decline in employment to 68.5%, with negative processes covering. Due to the pandemic, however, the great differences on the market are still being preserved. While large economic centers account for employment rates of around 70% or more, the poorer are far behind. All five areas with an occupancy rate of less than 60% are located north of the mountain range. The regions of Varna, Ruse and Veliko Tarnovo are the best in terms of employment in Northern Bulgaria. It is necessary to take into account the very strong representation in the Sofia district, which for the second time last year has overtaken the capital. The sustainable indicators of the labor market in Sofia district are supported by the very good development of the industry in the wide periphery of the capital, as well as by the stability of large companies in Srednogorie, which successfully pass the initial shock of the pandemic and keep their jobs.
Due to the negative effect of the pandemic on the current market, some positive developments in 2021 will be reported. In 2021, the average monthly salary in the country exceeded BGN 1,500, and the rate of adjustment is over 10% on an annual basis. At the regional level, the average annual salary varies from over BGN 2,000 in Sofia (capital) to about BGN 1,000 in the regions such as Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil. At the same time, he is observing and recovering on the market, so that the unemployed is gradually starting to return to the field. The continuing waves of coponavipyca and the resulting restrictive measures for social life and economic activity, however, are underway.
The human capital and the profile of the labor force will be key to the process of recovery and the continuing transformation of the Bulgarian nation. Nearly 30% of the workforce (24-64 years) has higher education, and in recent years this share has increased. The categorical leader is Sofia (capital), in which 56.8% of the workforce is highly educated. The next place is Pyce (31.2%) and Beliko Tupnovo (29.7%), which traditionally represents a strong indicator. In almost half of the regions in the country, the share of people with basic and lower education in the labor force is greater than the share of the work of the university. The share of the population with the main and lower education in the districts of Targovishte, Sliven, Kardzhali, Silistra, Pazgrad, Montana and Shumen remains high.
In 2021, despite the pandemic wave, the pandemic is focused on the recovery of the economic pact and the change of the region. Technological and technical transformation of the industry, incl. The changes in the supply chain, as well as the introduction of digital services, will continue to be the leading factors for local development. The big challenge ahead of time will be investment, which is still being pushed back by unscrupulous economics and politics. The strategic planning of the municipalities for the period 2021-2027, as well as the efforts of the major economic centers to attract investors and develop industrial areas, can play a positive role and support the transformation of the economy. In these efforts, the communities need support and, most of all, real steps for financial decentralization.
Social development
In the last decade, the population of 26 regions in the country is declining. Only in Sofia (capital) and in Kardzhali there is a reverse trend. In recent years, the presentation of Kardzhali has been very strong, as almost all populated places in the region are marked by the influx of people. The maritime districts of Varna and Burgas report a slight decline, but maintain a steadily positive mechanical balance and have the potential to turn the demographics around. Until the onset of the pandemic, it was the mechanical force that distinguished the strong economic centers, which managed to attract young, active and active people. In 2020, however, there will be a change caused by the pandemic and the imposed restrictive measures. On the one hand, many Bulgarians are coming from abroad, and on the other hand, there is a migration of the population from the big cities to the small ones.
In 2020, all major cities, including Sofia, Plovdiv and Bapna, will report a negative mechanical impact, i.e. in them there is an outflow of population. At the same time, a total of 205 municipalities are celebrating a positive mechanical situation, which is unprecedented in the new history of the country. During the year of the pandemic, the regional centers are losing their population, while the peripheral communities are registering the flow of people. Despite this adjustment due to the pandemic and restrictive measures, long demographic trends tend to remain unchanged, with strong economic centers in the best position to attract young and active people.
The situation is also severely affected by the onset of the pandemic, as in large periods of time during the last two years of the school year. Due to the fact that the general balance of the educational imbalances in the country is preserved. The highest results of the state criminal exams in Bulgarian language and literature in 2021 are marked in the capital Sofia (4.58), Smolyan (4.44) and Varna (4.44). In the region of Sofia (capital) and Smolyan for the past year there has been a very low share of weak estimates. In total, ten regions are registered with the results of the state exams in Bulgarian language and literature under the border of 4.00. The place also has a high share (over 10%) in the low grades, which speaks of serious challenges to the quality of the school system.
The pandemic brings to the forefront the health and the ability of the health system to respond to emergencies. Patients who fight in hospital beds and access to medicine are among the most important for the quality of life in the place. The regional differences in the field of health care are especially visible when the population has access to medicine. While in some areas - Pleven, Sofia (capital), Plovdiv and Varna, one doctor cares for less than 200 people per half of the population in half of the region. On a similar scale and differences in the attitude of medical professionals. The number of hospital beds also varies from close to 10 beds per 1,000 people in the Pleven region to less than 3 beds per 1,000 people in the districts of Pernik, Dobrich and Shumen.
In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of registered crimes committed against the person and community in the country. The pandemic additionally reflects the reduction in the value of this indicator. In 2020, less than 10 crimes were registered against individuals and people per 1,000 people of the population. Kardzhali and Smolyan remain the most significant areas with about 5 crimes against the person and property per 1000 people. In 2020, the growth rate was the highest in the Gabrovo region - over 76% of the registered crime rates during the year. The northwestern regions of Montana, Vratsa, and Vidin, as well as the Varna and Burgas, are characterized by the largest number of registered offenses.
The pandemic is seriously affecting the economy, as well as the social indicators of the regions in the country. There is a clear change in the demographics, which is due to the very high level of death, as well as due to the outflow of population from the great population. Areas such as health care, education and culture are severely affected and function in the face of extraordinary circumstances. Due to this, the great regional differences are preserved and continue to be clearly seen in the data.
The current edition of "Regional Profiles: Development Indicators" shows the real picture on the ground after the pandemic and again draws attention to the major challenges to development and convergence of opportunities across the country. The change in the social sphere in the regions depends on the economic rise, as well as on the empowerment and financial independence of the population.
MONTANA DISTRICT
Montana is among the areas with the lowest incomes and standard of living, which predetermines the high share of poverty in the area. Economic activity in the district is the largest in the country, but its growth is accompanied by both the most significant growth in employment and unemployment in the country, although their coefficients remain significantly less favorable than average. Investment activity in the district is relatively weak, but the absorption of European funds is relatively high. Montana has the lowest share of highways and first-class roads. The average level of local taxes in the municipalities of the district is the second lowest in the country. The self-assessments of local administrations for the development of e-government continue to lag behind.
The continuing aging of the country's population is particularly evident in the Montana region. The results of the students are extremely low and in 2021 the shares of the second-year students and those who dropped out of primary and secondary education are decreasing. Access to doctors in the area is relatively high. The workload of criminal judges in the district is significantly lower than the national average, which also affects the speed of justice. In 2020, Montana is the area with the most registered crimes. The main reasons for good performance in the environment are the low volume of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, as well as that of municipal waste and its management. Cultural life in the Montana area is low.
Source: Institute for Market Economics
13.12.2021
THE MINIMAL SALARY BECOMES BGN 710 FROM JANUARY 1
The Ministry of Finance has published the draft law on the state budget of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2022 together with the updated medium-term budget forecast for the period 2022-2024, representing the reasons for it, and the accompanying documents.
The preparation of Budget 2022 and the updated medium-term budget forecast for the period 2022-2024 started with the development of a baseline scenario with current legislation reflecting the effects of the update of Budget 2021 (adopted laws amending the state budget, the state social security budget and the budget of the National Health Insurance Fund for 2021), which was subsequently upgraded with new assumptions for some policies in the field of income, social security and social policy.
The parameters of the draft Budget 2022 are in line with the fiscal rules and restrictions set out in the Public Finance Act, taking into account the effects of the temporary application of measures in emergency situations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current medium-term budget forecast contains the required by the Public Finance Act (PFA) comparison of the macroeconomic forecast of the Ministry of Finance with that of the EC. A comparison of the forecast of the Ministry of Finance with the forecast of the European Commission regarding the indicators of the General Government sector is also included.
Following the temporary easing of fiscal policy in 2020 and 2021, which is estimated to be proactive countercyclical, the CFP deficit is projected to reach 5.1% of GDP in 2022 in the medium term (including COVID-19 measures) with subsequent annual steps for fiscal consolidation, reducing the CFP deficit to 2.8% of GDP in 2024.
In terms of limiting the fiscal rule for the CFP deficit (excluding the effect of COVID-19 measures) for the entire forecast period, the budget balance is within the deficit limit of 3 percent of GDP, as for 2020 and 2021. there is a positive balance of 0.2% of GDP and 1.3% of GDP, respectively, and for the forecast period - a negative balance within 2.8-2.9% of GDP.
In the medium term, CFP expenditures (excluding expenditures from EU accounts and other international programs and contracts equated to them, including related national co-financing) are within the 40% rule of the CFP, as marked a decline from 39.6% of GDP in 2022 to 35.7% of GDP in 2024.
In terms of revenues, the current forecast shows growth in nominal terms for the entire three-year period. As a relative share of GDP for 2022, they are 38.3%, for 2023 - 39.3% and for 2024 - 39.2%.
Regarding the expenditure trends for the period 2022-2024, nominal annual growth is observed, but as a share of GDP they decrease from 43.4% of GDP to 42.0% of GDP.
For the period 2022-2024, the envisaged tax policy will continue to adhere to the established principles and guidelines in recent years, and its main objectives are again aimed at maintaining economic growth, improving the business environment, combating tax abuse and increasing fiscal sustainability in the long run. The main priorities related to improving the collection of revenues, the prevention of opportunities for evasion and non-payment of taxes and social security contributions and the reduction of administrative burdens and costs for businesses and citizens remain.
The measures envisaged in the revenue policy are aimed at ensuring the necessary financial resources for the implementation of the government's expenditure policies. It is envisaged that low tax rates for corporate taxes and those for personal income taxes will be maintained as an important prerequisite for investment, economic growth and employment.
10.12.2021
NEW RESTRICTIONS ON ENTERING ROMANIA
Romania has introduced new travel restrictions and isolation measures for those entering the country as part of authorities' efforts to prevent a new health crisis following the outbreak of the Omicron strain.
The new travel rules will apply from today until January 8 and are aimed at preventing the transmission of the virus during the winter holidays. These include: evidence of a negative test for Covid-19 and quarantine for unvaccinated passengers coming from places at epidemiological risk. From 20 December, passenger location forms will be applied to improve the tracking of infections.
Places such as shops, cafes, malls and restaurants can now be open until 22:00, which is one hour longer than before, and people can enter without a vaccination certificate, but with proof of a negative Covid -19 test. Masks are no longer needed in crowded open public places, and for key winter holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year, restrictions on working hours have been virtually removed.
Romania, with a population of about 19 million people, faced a catastrophic situation in October and November and has so far confirmed three cases of Omicron infection, which is thought to be more contagious than the previous strain of the virus. All three cases were found in people who came to Bucharest from South Africa in late November.
10.12.2021
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORT FROM EUROPEAN FUNDS
Consultancy Center - Berkovitsa provides up-to-date information on financial support from European funds. Farmers can apply for three measures under the Rural Development Program. The selection of projects for increasing the citizen participation in the processes of implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation under OP "Good Governance" is forthcoming. All currently open procedures and the necessary documents can be viewed in the Information System for Management and Monitoring of European Union Funds in Bulgaria (UMIS2020).
Registered farmers, as well as producer groups or organizations that have been engaged in the processing of agricultural products without interruption for the last 36 months, may receive support to improve their overall performance. The funds are provided under sub-measure 4.2 "Investments in processing/marketing of agricultural products" of measure 4 "Investments in tangible assets" of the Rural Development Program for the period 2014-2020 (BG06RDNP001-4.015). The total amount of the grant under the procedure is BGN 387,164,028.74 - from European funds BGN 347,511,750.34 and BGN 39,652,278.40 national co-financing.
The business plan of a project must provide for eligible costs of at least BGN 29,337, and the maximum amount reaches BGN 5,867,400. Applicants can use the funds to purchase land, buildings and premises intended for production activities, to purchase new ones. machinery, equipment and facilities necessary for the improvement of the production process for processing and marketing, as well as their installation, for the purchase of specialized vehicles for the transport of raw materials or finished products used and manufactured by the enterprise, and machines used for in-house and in-plant transport, which move only on the territory of the enterprise and are intended for carrying out specific activities in it. Investments in the construction and modernization of laboratories, the acquisition of software related to processing, know-how, patent rights and licenses, trademark registration and processes are eligible.
Financial support is expected to strengthen the link between producer and processor in the production of fruit and vegetables and essential oils and in animal husbandry.
The deadline for submitting project proposals is February 25, 2022.
BGN 24,447,500.00 grants from the European Union Reimbursement Instrument are provided for active farmers aged 18 to 40. Project proposals are promoted with activities in the sectors "Animal Husbandry" and "Fruits and Vegetables", farms that are certified for organic production, farms with investments in innovative technologies - innovative production technologies, digital technologies for production and organization in agriculture, renewable energy sources and automation of work processes in agricultural production, including irrigation systems and approaches implemented through the European Innovation Partnership, leading to job creation. The support is under sub-measure 6.1 "Start-up aid for young farmers" of measure 6 "Development of farms and enterprises" of the RDP 2014 - 2020. Financial aid per applicant is not more than the BGN equivalent of 25,000 euros, which is paid to two stages EUR 12,500 - within two months after the conclusion of the administrative contract, the rest - when the correct implementation of the business plan is established. Documents can be submitted until February 28, 2022.
BGN 39,116,000 have also been provided by the European Union's Recovery Instrument to support small farms with an economic size between EUR 2,000 and EUR 7,999 standard production volume. The aim is to support them in the activities of modernization and technological renewal, in the efficient use of resources, in the measures for safe working conditions, the use of renewable energy, in the transition to the circular and bioeconomy. Priority is given to the sectors "Animal Husbandry", "Essential Oil Crops" and "Fruits and Vegetables", organic farms. The support is distributed through sub-measure 6.3 "Start-up aid for the development of small farms" of measure 6 "Development of farms and enterprises" of the RDP 2014-2020 (BG06RDNP001-6.012).
The total amount of financial aid for one candidate is not more than BGN 29,337. The first payment in the amount of BGN 19,558 is made within two months after the conclusion of the administrative contract, the rest - after the implementation of the business plan. Project proposals can be submitted until March 2, 2022.
Non-profit legal entities with public benefit activities and the National Representative Organizations of Employers and Employees have the opportunity to be assisted in activities to increase civic participation in the processes of implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation (BG05SFOP001-2.025). The funds are provided through the Operational Program "Good Governance", and project proposals are accepted until January 17, 2022.
All application documents and information are published at https://eumis2020.government.bg/bg/s/Procedure/Active
10.12.2021
THE EC POSTPONED THE EVALUATION OF BULGARIA'S RECOVERY PLAN
The European Commission has approved a second one-month extension of the deadline for assessing Bulgaria's economic recovery plan. This was announced by a spokesman for the commission at a press conference in response to a question.
It is usual to have a dialogue with the countries on the presented plans, but I will not go into details, because the EC does not have this habit, the spokesman explained. The EC initially approved a one-month extension of the deadline for submitting the Bulgarian plan. We have now agreed on another month's postponement, the spokesman said.
Thus, the commission gives a total of two additional months to evaluate the plan, which provides an opportunity to clear all issues, to exchange additional information, he added.
The extension of the deadline for evaluating the plans is provided for in EU rules, the spokesman said.
The plan was submitted to the Commission on 15 October, and the evaluation period is generally two months and expires on 15 December.
09.12.2021
HOW MANY PEOPLE RECEIVED HEATING ASSISTANCE
Over 261 thousand people received heating assistance for the five months of the heating season 2021-2022.
This was said by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Galab Donev during the regular blitz control.
Minister Donev clarified that the aid for this heating season has been increased by 6.8 percent and its respective amount is BGN 523.55. individuals and families at risk and in need of assistance.
According to Minister Donev, 27,349 people were supported with this one-time financial support. He pointed out that as of today, these BGN 300 are being paid.
"Most of the heating aid was used in the districts of Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad and Vratsa," said Minister Donev. He reminded that the one-time financial support of BGN 300 was provided through an additional transfer from the central budget in the amount of BGN 15 million and covers all persons who due to the increase of the determined differentiated income by up to BGN 30 did not fall into the scope of targeted heating aid.
09.12.2021
THE BEST EMPLOYERS FOR 2021
13 employers were awarded during the forum "Employer of the Year - 2021" of the Employment Agency, whose eighteenth edition was held on December 7 in online format.
This year, too, the most active partners of the Employment Agency from all over the country were classified into 2 categories: "Employers with a significant contribution to providing employment to the unemployed in the regional labor market" and "Succeeded together".
In the category "Employers with a significant contribution to the employment of unemployed persons in the regional labor market" was awarded one employer from the territory of the nine regional directorates of the Employment Agency in the country:
- For the region of Blagoevgrad - "Top Fashion" Ltd. The company specializes in the production of women's boutique clothing and trade in the country and abroad. During the Kovid pandemic, as well as any need for staff, the employer seeks contact with the labor office. The period January - September 2021 has hired 35 unemployed, 34 of whom are still working after 6 months from the conclusion of employment contracts.
- For the region of Burgas - ZMM Nova Zagora AD. The company is among the brightest representatives of the machine building sector in Bulgaria with export-oriented products. The company employs 120 people and despite the Kovid crisis and the reduced volume of orders, the staff remains the same number by participating in the measure 60/40. The company is also a factor in the region for the rapid inclusion of young people in the labor market.
- For the region of Varna - "Corner" Ltd. The company is a key employer in the municipality of Kavarna, and its activities are in the field of hotels and restaurants. Since the beginning of the year the employer has announced 40 vacancies on the primary market and has provided employment to 35 unemployed people, 25 of whom are from disadvantaged groups in the labor market.Despite the seasonal nature of its activities, it managed to maintain the employment of 330 workers and employees during the Kovid crisis.
- For the region of Lovech - "Mizia 96" AD. The company is a leading manufacturer of men's clothing in Bulgaria with a staff of 820. It announces 174 vacancies in the region and employs 55 unemployed people in the primary market. 13 of them are long-term unemployed, 6 - young people, 12 - unemployed over 55 years of age, as well as a person with permanent disabilities.
- For the region of Montana - "BKK - 95" Ltd. The company specializes in cold metal processing. Manufactures components for the furniture industry and metal furniture. He works actively with the European market, Great Britain and Canada. In 2021, the company provides employment to 20 unemployed in the primary market, and through subsidized employment - to 10 people. The employer has kept the employment of 151 people, applying for the measure 60/40.
- For the region of Plovdiv - "Pamporovo" AD. The employer is key for the region in the field of tourism and maintains the entire ski area in the resort complex. For the tourist season 2020-2021 the company hires 30 unemployed people. For the current winter 40 vacancies have been announced during the season, and 5 unemployed people have been employed so far, and through measure 60/40 and RMS 429 the employer has kept the employment of 476 workers.
- For the region of Ruse - "A. L. FILTER LTD. The company is the largest for the production of automotive filters in Ruse and the region, part of A.L. Group. It has provided sustainable employment to 70 unemployed people, 53 of whom are from disadvantaged groups on the labor market. It hires unemployed people from remote settlements, where the demand for the non-subsidized labor market is minimal, such as Slivo Pole, Vetovo, Kubrat and Byala.
- For the region of Sofia - "Van Holding" Ltd. The company with the trade name "Fantastico" owns over 40 supermarkets in Sofia. The Sofia Labor Bureau "Vazrazhdane" has been working with the company for more than 10 years. In the first nine months of 2021, for the region of Sofia, Botevgrad and Ihtiman, the employer has announced a total of 958 vacancies on the primary market, for which unemployed people from the labor offices in these cities are targeted.
- For the region of Haskovo - TPP "Maritsa 3" AD. The company is one of the first built and still operating, engaged in electricity production in the country. Despite the difficulties over the years, manages to optimize and resume its activities in 2021 A total of 145 people were employed, 77 were employed during the pandemic, 73 of whom were from disadvantaged groups in the labor market, and the subsidiary Maritza Energy EOOD resumed operations, where 27 more jobseekers were hired. on the primary labor market through the mediation of the labor office.
The category "Succeeded together" distinguishes examples from the joint activities of business representatives, job seekers and labor offices in the country. There are four employers who equally deserved the prize for the year:
- "Hospice 50 Plus" Ltd. The company was established in 2009 and deals with social care with accommodation for the elderly and people with physical disabilities. Since 2016 she has been a partner of the Labor Office in Pernik, with the support of which she hires an unemployed woman with secondary education, insecure, underestimating the opportunities and qualities she possesses, sharing the need to start work as soon as possible. At the moment she continues to work in the company.
- Municipality of Troyan. The municipality is a key employer for the region and for the labor office in Troyan, with the help of which it hires an unemployed person with secondary education for the Nauka 1870 Community Center, a representative of an unequal group on the labor market - "people with disabilities". The person is employed on a permanent employment contract as a "librarian" and continues to work in the community center until now.
- "Maria Victoria" Ltd. The employer is a manufacturer of electrical and household appliances with 22 employees. He has been using the services of the Haskovo Labor Office since 2004. With his support, he has been hiring a long-term unemployed person with a primary education, a number of personal obstacles to starting a job and a difficult financial situation. The person still works in the company and is included in the service "Consultation and mentoring after starting work".
- Nika-G 2021 EOOD. The activity of the company is "Restaurants and fast food restaurants". With the partnership of the Labor Office in Blagoevgrad, she provides employment for a discouraged young woman without family support, who has not worked since 2017, raises her child alone and is on social assistance. To date, she continues to work in the company, being included in the service of the Employment Agency "Consultation and mentoring after starting work".
