Social Policy Minister: Schengen, Euro Area, OECD Are Key Priorities with Direct Impact on People's Well-Being

Diana Dukovska

The OECD Accession Forum/Skills Matter for Bulgaria took place in Sofia, February 20, 2024 (BTA Photo)

Sofia,

20.02.2024 11:53

(BTA)

Accession to the border-free Schengen area, the euro area and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are key priorities with a direct impact on people's well-being, Labour and Social Policy Minister Ivanka Shalapatova said at Tuesday's forum in Sofia on the skills of the future in connection with Bulgaria's bid for OECD membership.

The OECD Accession Forum/Skills Matter for Bulgaria is organized by the Digital National Coalition.

The Labour and Social Policy Ministry prioritizes all measures which must be taken by the state administration and local government, business and the public, to meet the challenges which lead to serious social inequalities and poverty and social exclusion, Shalapatova said. She singled out challenges including the ageing population and demographic difficulties. One of the topics under discussion is the green transition and the regions affected by it.

Addressing the participants, Gergana Passy, President of the Digital National Coalition, said that skills do matter for this country's tomorrow. "Skills mean much more than the grades our children get in school. They are also about how we participate in the democratic processes in our own society, the way we exercise control over the democratic institutions and how far we are able to recognize disinformation," she said.

/DD/