site.btaExperts Discuss Labour Market Changes, Demographic Crisis

Representatives of institutions and experts gathered at Vrana Palace, on the outskirts of Sofia, on Friday for a discussion on labor market changes and tackling the demographic crisis. The event was organized by the European Liberal Forum and focused on ways to encourage the return of Bulgarians living abroad, as well as on simplifying procedures for hiring workers from other countries.

Addressing participants in the event, Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov said: "We are facing a serious shortage of personnel. Probably next week or the following one, I will sign amendments to the legislation to ease the process of bringing in workers. Everything is ready. We are just waiting for the budget procedure," the Minister added. Gutsanov said that he had discussed the issue with the prime minister. Some 40,000 citizens came to work in Bulgaria in 2025, and this year the number will likely reach 50,000, he noted. He stressed the need to assess how many of these workers remain in this country long-term. There are 200,000 people in Bulgaria who neither work nor study, Gutsanov said, adding that they are "potential workers needed by businesses."

The demographic issue is a fundamental challenge and addressing it must be a national priority, Gutsanov said. "That is why we launched the I Choose Bulgaria initiative. It has been highly successful," he added.

The I Choose Bulgaria programme was launched on September 18. "We already have more than 3,200 applications from Bulgarians who want to return," Employment Agency Executive Director Smilen Valov said. The programme currently has funding for just under 900 participants, meaning additional resources will be necessary, he noted, adding that the goal is for Bulgarians to feel seen and supported by the State.

The organization Bulgaria Wants You also works to bring Bulgarians back home. Its co-founder, Andrey Arnaudov, said that the aim is not only to encourage people to return to Bulgaria for work but to help them stay. "We believe we can speak the language of the generation currently looking for opportunities to come back to Bulgaria and stay here," he said, adding that interest in the new Bulgaria Wants You website has been strong. In his words, Bulgarians in Germany and the United Kingdom show great willingness to return, whereas those in Southern Europe tend to adapt more easily.

"The labor market is changing," European Liberal Forum Executive Director Alva Finn said. She noted that growth remains a major challenge for EU Member States.

Former Labour and Social Affairs Minister Christina Christova identified the mismatch between education and labour market needs as a key issue. As another challenge she highlighted the need for older workers to stay in the workforce longer, which creates new dynamics as they come into contact with younger Gen Z employees.