Association of Bulgarian Employers' Organizations presents its priorities to PM Nikolay Denkov

Representatives of the managements of the organizations - members of the Association of Bulgarian Employers' Organizations (ABEO), held a meeting with Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel.

During the meeting, the priorities of the ABEO were discussed, with emphasis on taking measures to comply with the commitment of Bulgaria to join the Eurozone, the Schengen area and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and ABEO chairman for 2023 Tsvetan Simeonov emphasized the need to preserve the existing tax model in Bulgaria. He defined it as important for real actions to build e-government in all areas, as an appropriate measure in the fight against corruption. Simeonov emphasized the need to ease the procedures for importing workers into the country and to take measures to promote their sustainable employment in Bulgaria. He also pointed out that environmental protection measures should not hinder the investment process.

Chairman of Association of the Industrial Capital in Bulgaria (AICB) Vasil Velev shared that social assistance should not be provided through the Bulgarian tax system. He noted that its main function is revenue collection. The distribution of income in the form of welfare benefits should be income and means tested to those in need, not as support for all. "The lack of targeted support for citizens has cost BGN 5 billion of the budget so far," emphasized Velev. The chairman of AICB also noted the necessity to preserve the existing compensation mechanism for high electricity prices.

Chairman of the Bulgarian Industrial Association Dobri Mitrev stressed that the economic stability in the country is a prerequisite for political stability and pointed out that an improved economic environment will be a major factor for Bulgaria's prosperity. Mitrev listed some of the problems in that regard: the existence of nearly 900 regulatory regimes, the way in which the fee for household waste is formed and the need to apply the "polluter pays" principle. Mitrev also placed special emphasis on the assessment of the impact of future legislation - in connection with the effect of the normative rules on the competitiveness of enterprises, the circular economy and the regulatory burden.

Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (CEIB) vice-president Boryana Manolova pointed out the need of price indexation mechanism revision for public procurement in the construction sector. She gave as an example the municipalities with no allocated funds from the budget to cover the increased prices in construction.

PM Denkov said that the presentation of the government's management programme is expected within three weeks and stressed on the importance of the economic and energy transition. Denkov also emphasized the need for reforms in the field of secondary and higher education, which would lead to an improvement in the quality of the products of the education system in Bulgaria. The Prime Minister expressed support for ABEO's proposals for targeting social assistance and preserving tax system. As a priority of the government, he noted Bulgaria's acceptance into the Eurozone, the OECD and the Schengen area.

Deputy PM Mariya Gabriel said that she will focus on Bulgaria's visa policy, review and shorten the terms for issuing visas, startup visas, etc. She also noted that she will work to promote interaction between businesses and the European Alliance of Universities. She also indicated that a main focus will be placed on the economy of diplomacy.