The minimum wage will be set at BGN 1,077(EUR 545) from next year, caretaker Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ivaylo Ivanov told bTV. ''The Labour Code stipulates that the minimum wage is calculated as 50% of the average wage. The government is obliged to comply with this legislation'', said Minister Ivanov. 

In his words, the minimum monthly salary is a tool through which the government influences income growth. Approximately 490,000 people are currently earning the minimum wage, Minister Ivanov emphasized. Regarding the dispute between trade unions and employers over the increase of the minimum wage, Minister Ivanov pointed out that it is much more important to implement the EU directive on minimum wage, and Bulgaria must fulfill this obligation by November 15. Currently, the minimum wage is BGN 933 (EUR 472).