The first operating program in Bulgaria for the absorption of European Union funds was launched officially on Friday, Darik News reported.

The Development of Human Resources program's budget is BGN 1, 214 B. It will operate in the period 2007 - 2013 and is the first of the seven operating programs for EU funds.

Brussels still has not approved the program, but the cabinet hopes this will happen any time soon in the future, Finance Minister Plamen Oresharski said at the official launch.

The program's goal is to enhance the quality of life through improving the human capital, reaching higher employment levels, increasing the productivity, providing access to better education and life-long learning as well as strengthening the social inclusion.

Three different institutions will cooperate on implementing the program - the Education Ministry, the National Employment Agency and the Social Assistance Agency.

A total of 38,000 people will be included in the sub-program for getting an initial or higher qualification. Another 30,000 children will be included in sub-programs in schools and extra curriculum activities.

Oresharski personally thanked to Social Minister Emiliya Maslarova, to the head of the European Commission Representation to Bulgaria Michael Humphreys, to the Education Ministry and to all experts who worked on developing the program.

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