site.btaCaretaker Social Policy Minister Ademov Briefs EC Vice-President Minzatu on Cabinet’s Efforts to Protect Most Vulnerable

Caretaker Minister of Labour and Social Policy Hasan Ademov introduced European Comission Vice-President Roxana Minzatu to Cabinet's efforts of protecting the most vulnerable people, Ademov's Ministry reported here on Monday.

Speaking at the EU Council meeting on employment, social policy, health, and consumer affairs, Ademov emphasized that all social payments and pension increases are guaranteed despite the lack of a regular state budget for 2026, with EU funds providing additional support. Distribution of 531,000 essential food packages funded through a European programme is set to begin shortly. 

Key topics included investments in child welfare, social inclusion, combating child poverty, development of a sustainable support mechanism for energy-poor households as well as  the use of artificial intelligence to promote quality employment and protect workers’ rights. Ademov stressed that technological transformation must prioritise people, alongside lifelong learning, re-training, and labour rights safeguards.

Highlighting Bulgaria’s economic performance, Ademov cited Eurostat data showing that this country's Southern Central planning region is leading among EU regions in GDP growth, which is driven in part by the digitalization of medium-sized enterprises in the southern cities of Plovdiv and Haskovo.

Ademov also met with Cyprus' Labour Minister Marinos Moushouttas, as the country currently chairs the EU Council, and with the French Minister of Labour and Solidarity, Jean-Pierre Farandou.

At the end of February Ademov announced the start of food package distribution for the most vulnerable, funded by the European Social Fund.