„As a result of the targeted efforts of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP), a decrease in youth unemployment has been observed throughout the country. Only in the North-West region, the number of registered unemployed young people under 29 has decreased by 6.2% compared to April 2024.“ This was announced by Minister Borislav Gutsanov in response to a question during today's parliamentary control.
„The realization of young people on the labor market is a key task for the Ministry and a priority for me and my team“, said Minister Gutsanov. He stressed that the existing regional imbalance in economic opportunities is among the causes of social inequalities, against which the Ministry is actively working.
The Minister emphasized the new initiatives of the MLSP in support of young people, especially in Northern Bulgaria. “Less than a month ago, in mid-May, we launched two new schemes with a total budget of 106 million leva to promote entrepreneurship specifically in Northern Bulgaria and support young people without professional experience“, he announced.
Under the operation “Promoting Entrepreneurship in Northern Bulgaria“, with a budget of 60 million leva, future entrepreneurs from the region can receive up to 50,000 leva, as well as consultations and training for developing business ideas and plans. “Our expectations are that at least 1,000 new entrepreneurs will be supported with grants. This means more economy for our country – and in the poorest region“, said Gutsanov.
The second scheme “Youth Practices“ has a budget of 46 million leva and will enable at least 10,000 young people to gain work experience. “If employers like the young person's work and offer him a permanent contract, they will be further stimulated. This is a model that creates real chances for permanent employment“, explained the minister.
Borislav Gutsanov also noted the other programs that are already achieving results. “So far, over 12,000 young people have been included in the various forms of support within the “Human Resources Development“ Program, of which over 4,400 under the operation “Youth Employment+“ directly aimed at them, whose budget is 188 million leva“, he said. The program offers internships, training with a mentor, subsidized employment and the opportunity for a first job lasting between 6 and 9 months.
The National Program “Start of Career“ is also being implemented with funds from the state budget, aimed at graduates up to 29 years old who have no work experience. “By the end of April, 26 jobs for young people under the program have been secured in the Northwestern Region,“ Gutsanov said.
He also noted the effect of measures under the Employment Promotion Act, which stimulate employers to hire young people up to 29 years old for a period of up to 9 months. “These measures provide funds for remuneration and insurance, as well as mentoring support at the workplace. In the Northwestern region, 20 young people are included,“ the minister announced.
A subsidy from the state budget also provides for apprenticeships with a mentor, as well as dual training combining theory and practice.
Within the framework of parliamentary control, Minister Gutsanov also answered other questions related to unemployment, on which he presented more opportunities to support employers and the unemployed, financed with funds from the EU and the state budget.
“I am satisfied that the National Assembly raises the issue of high unemployment in some regions, of youth unemployment, because there is no way for one ministry to deal with this problem, joint efforts are needed“, commented Minister Gutsanov.