European social policy week in Sofia

In May 2008, Sofia hosted the first European social policy week, which was a joint project of the European Commission and Bulgaria's Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The purpose of the European social policy weeks is to promote national discussions in all Member States not only on the problems of individual countries but also on possible solutions based on the development of social systems in different EU countries. The forum was opened with a high-level regional conference on the development of human resources.

Present at the opening of the forum on 25 May 2008 were European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Vladimir Spidla, Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov, Bulgarian Social Minister Emilia Maslarova, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Plugchieva, as well as representatives of employers and trade unions. A number of national strategic papers were presented during the week, which was divided into thematic days.

Anti-discrimination and equal opportunities

In his presentation under this theme, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Lazar Lazarov, stated that men’s wages are 16% higher than those of women. He also announced that by the end of November 2008 all state institutions, including municipalities and regional administrations, will begin to improve the quality of work and establish an accessible environment for disabled people at work.

Safety and Health at the Workplace

According to the report of the representative of the General Labour Inspectorate, the groups with the highest percentage of work-related accidents are people younger than 29 and people over 50. A reduction of work-related accidents by 25% by 2012 is among the key priorities of the Bulgarian government’s strategy.

Migration and Labour

Under this theme, it was pointed out that Bulgaria’s migration strategy respects community rights and is in line with EU policy on migrants. In 2007, a total of 4,770 EU citizens (European Economic Area and Switzerland) were employed or worked as self-employed in Bulgaria. According to bi-lateral employment agreements, 4,652 Bulgarians were employed in those states in 2007. Nevertheless, in a number of countries, the problem of the illegal employment of Bulgarians continues to be an issue.

Social protection and social inclusion

The Bulgarian national report on social protection and social inclusion strategy 2006-2008 was presented under this theme. The priorities in the report are poverty risk and social inclusion, the establishment of a modern pension system, improving access to child care and qualitative healthcare, the development of a system for long-term care as well as the protection of disadvantaged groups in society – vulnerable adults, disabled people, lone parents, and children at risk.

Employment policy

Bulgaria’s renewed Employment Strategy and National Strategy on Lifelong Learning was presented under this theme. The current employment policy aims to achieve EU common objectives and it is hoped that European Commission support in the implementation of further reforms will help the country to achieve full employment, and improve the quality of work and productivity, according to Xavier Prats Monne, Director for Employment, Lisbon Strategy and International Affairs at DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

European Social Fund (ESF)

Four separate panels discussed topics related to investment in human resources , how to support business, the ESF and how to increase administrative capacity, social inclusion policy and development of Bulgaria’s social economy, and the first steps in using the ESF in education in Bulgaria.

After the closing ceremony on 30 May, the following international agreements were signed:

• Bulgaria and Belgium signed a memorandum for cooperation in the social policy area. The parties agreed to cooperate through joint initiatives on the implementation of the policies in the social activity sphere, the development of social care and social security regulations, in the area of social dialogue on the implementation of good practice, and equality in terms of the use of social services.

• The Bulgarian and Portuguese Labour Inspectorates signed an agreement on the exchange of information concerning the planning, coordination, methodology and evaluation of inspectorate activity.

• The Bulgarian Social Minister Emilia Maslarova and the Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Solidarity of France Xavier Bertrand signed an agreement on administrative cooperation. Under this, both governments will unite their efforts in the fight against undeclared employment and protection of social rights in the case of the transborder movement of people and services.

Commentary

The foreign guests, Bulgarian experts, the media and social partners were satisfied that during the forum all social issues were discussed. The debate was viewed as useful for the exchange of good practice and experience and the promotion of appropriate and dynamic policies, which will allow Bulgaria to succeed in fostering economic growth and developing its social policy.

Luyben Tomev, ISTUR