“We are indebted to the social and solidarity economy“, said the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov, who opened today the 13th European Forum of the Subjects of the Social and Solidarity Economy. The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) and the National Union of Labor-Production Cooperatives in Bulgaria.
Minister Gutsanov emphasized the key role of social enterprises and labor-production cooperatives in the development of employment and social inclusion of people from vulnerable groups in Bulgaria. “It is no coincidence that so many funds are allocated in this direction, but there is still much to be done for the development of the social economy“, said the Minister.
He noted that it is time to put a stronger focus on policies in the field of labor. “They often address me, and my colleagues before me, as the Minister of Social Policy. I would like to talk more about the Ministry of Labor and that this policy be joint with social enterprises, with labor-production cooperatives, specifically in the field of employment“, said Minister Gutsanov.
“In 13 years, there have been many good examples of how, with support, a sustainable business can be started in which people from vulnerable groups can work and subsequently have a job and security“, emphasized Minister Gutsanov. As a good example, he pointed to the initiative in the Sitovo municipality, where two programs have been combined – for home patronage and for hot lunches, which has led to significantly better results and efficiency.
„With funds from the Operational Program „Human Resources Development“, a Social Enterprise for Public Catering „Independent Life“ was established, where hot lunches are also prepared under the Program „Food and Basic Material Assistance“, explained Borislav Gutsanov.
The Minister expressed hope that our country will begin to plan long-term in terms of economic zones: „Creating new jobs is the most important thing for our country at the moment. I hope that just winterizing the budget is a thing of the past and that calculations will now be made with a perspective for at least 10 years ahead, and the social economy will have its extremely important place in this perspective“.
He assured the participants in the forum that they can count on consistent support from the ministry. “You can be sure that you will receive support, as you have always received, because I believe that this is extremely important for the development of both social enterprises and labor-production cooperatives, as well as the economy of Bulgaria.“
The event, which takes place today and tomorrow (07 – 08 April 2025) at the Inter Expo Center in Sofia, will present products and services created and provided by people from vulnerable groups working in social enterprises and labor-production cooperatives. By purchasing them, you support the development of the social and solidarity economy in Bulgaria and the creation of more employment opportunities for people in difficult situations.