Bulgaria Loses Billions Annually Due to Delayed Schengen Membership, Warns Economy Minister
Bulgaria stands to lose approximately BGN 1 billion each year due to its continued exclusion from full membership in the Schengen area
Only 25% of Bulgarians between the ages of 31 and 45 say they have not been affected negatively by the economic crisis.
One third of all Bulgarians say the same, according to data from a poll of the Open Society Institute conducted between July 5 and 15.
Due to the crisis, over one fifth of Bulgarians (20.6%) have been subject to pay cuts - a level that remains unchanged in the last two years.
18% have been laid off, while another 12% report lower earnings from their own business – these two indicators also keep their 2011 levels.
Experts from Open Society say that after 2009, the gap between the wealthy and the poor Bulgarians has grown even wider, particularly in cities and largest towns.
The average income per person in a household in at the time of the study has been BGN 425 a month. 19.3% of households live below the poverty line, which is set at BGN 210.
The share of the poor is the lowest in the capital Sofia (10%) and the highest in villages (33%).
37% of the respondents fear a further deterioration of the economic situation in the country with the share of the pessimists going up by 10% in the last 12 months.
Three sectors in the last 4 years have been the focal point of people's desire for reforms – healthcare, the labor market, and economic growth.
Two more have been added in 2013 – social policies and education.
One of every four Bulgarians in voting age expects from the Socialist-endorsed government of Prime Minister, Plamen Oresharski, to achieve success in social policies (23%) and healthcare (22%), while a much higher percentage (40%) expect healthcare reforms.
16% are optimistic about the labor market and economic growth with twice more expecting reforms.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Ivan Milev Lalev was a Bulgarian painter and scenographer regarded as the founder of the Bulgarian Secession and a representative of Bulgarian modernism, combining symbolism
Maundy Thursday, observed on April 13 this year, marks a significant moment in Holy Week for Bulgarians, rich in traditions and spiritual meaning. It is the day before the Resurrection feast, where ancient customs intertwine with religious rituals
Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev ordered the cancellation of the Council of Ministers' decision to establish the private Mom and Me Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment in Sofia, the government press service said on Saturday.
Easter approaches, anticipation builds for one of the most cherished Christian holidays celebrated in Bulgaria
As Bulgaria transitions into May, meteorologists predict a rollercoaster of temperatures, ranging from autumnal lows to summery highs across the country.
May 1st marks Labor Day and International Workers' Solidarity, observed by countries around the world to honor the contributions of workers and advocate for labor rights
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022