Text size

BICA pushes for easier labour import and faster increase in retirement age

published on 10/10/23 4:39 PM

Photo: EPA/BGNES

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) insists on reforming the pension system and accelerating the rate of increase of the retirement age for men and women, as well as easing the administrative procedures for importing labour from third countries. The employers' recommendation is in connection with the forthcoming presentation of Bulgaria's draft budget for 2024.

Labour shortages for industry are the main deterrent to accelerated GDP growth, as is the lack of skilled workers. Bulgaria continues to rank last in the EU in terms of participation in lifelong learning activities involving vocational qualifications, with an EU average of 11.3% and a national average of only 2%. Those with at least basic skills in digital technologies are only 31%, compared to 54% in the EU, the association said.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Economy BICA budget 2024 pension system reforms The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association

More from category

"Strasbourg Calling" MEP Ilia Lazarov: There is no reason for inflation to occur in Bulgaria

"The example of Croatia is very important, because at the same time when there was inflation after the adoption of the euro in Croatia, in neighboring Hungary, where the forint remained and the euro was not adopted, there was higher inflation, which..

published on 7/11/25 3:05 PM

MEP Gordan Bosanac with BNR's Irina Nedeva and Angelina Piskova

"Strasbourg Calling" MEP Gordan Bosanac: Croatia is one of the countries with the highest inflation

The main challenges in introducing the euro in Croatia were the weak economy and poverty of the population. This was said in an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio by Croatian MEP Gordan Bosanac from the group of the Greens/European Free..

published on 7/11/25 10:29 AM

Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings upgrade Bulgaria's rating from "BBB" to "BBB+"

Due to Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone, the international rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings have upgraded the country’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating to ‘BBB+’ with a stable outlook , which is..

published on 7/11/25 9:05 AM