The extremely unfavourable demographic picture is perhaps the biggest challenge we have to address if we want to go on as a nation, stated Tzvetan Spassov, head of the governing body of the Human Resources Development programme of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy at a forum on the project “Europe in the Balkans: Together through knowledge” in Varshets.

According to the data disclosed, as quoted by the Bulgarian news agency BTA, over the past 35 years more than 2.5 million people have left the country to seek better opportunities elsewhere – over 80% with them highly qualified and with university degrees.

Tzvetan Spassov presented the campaign “I choose Bulgaria”, developed with the European Commission and targeted at Bulgarians abroad. The campaign envisages financial incentives for transportation to Bulgaria, providing financing for up to 12 months for housing and transport, subsidized employment opportunities, career consultant for finding a better employer.

“We have provided opportunities for Bulgarian language courses free of charge, including for family members, as well as different forms of training,” the expert adds.

Edited by Diana Tsankova
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova
Photo: BTA