site.btaAround 20% of Working-Age Europeans Remain Outside Labour Market, Head of EC Representation in Bulgaria Says

Around 20% of Europe’s working-age population, or some 50 million people, remains outside the labor market. Most of these people are women, individuals aged 55 to 64, and migrants, Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission (EC) Representation in Bulgaria, said Tuesday during a forum organized by the Human Resources Development Programme of the Labor and Social Policy Ministry.

Chobanova cited the latest EC employment report, which identifies four main barriers to labor market inclusion. One is the disproportionate share of unpaid work carried out by women. Early retirement is also listed as a precondition for the exclusion of one of the groups. Migrants' poor language skills and the challenges the face with the recognition of their qualifications are also identified as an obstacle. People with disabilities often encounter complex hiring procedures and workplaces that are not adequately adapted to their needs, Chobanova said. In her words, targeted policy changes are already being considered to support these groups and help the European Union meet its employment target of 78% by 2030.

Proposed measures include flexible working conditions and phased retirement for older workers, as well as training and career guidance. For migrants, the focus is on language training, job search assistance, and streamlining the process for work permits, Chobanova added. 

The European Commission is preparing a skills portability initiative that aims to propose common rules for recognizing qualifications from third countries, she noted. 

Europe's population is ageing, with demographic shifts expected to lead to a reduction of 18 million people in the European workforce by 2050, the Head of the EC Representation in Bulgaria said. Such a scenario would have implications for competitiveness, economic growth, and the sustainability of social and pension systems.

Europe’s greatest strength is its social model, Chobanova said, adding that it is a model that serves as an example to the world and is unmatched globally. "That is why, we must preserve it while ensuring strong growth, which is tied to employment," she added.  

Despite low unemployment rates across the EU over the past year, many small and medium-sized enterprises continue to report labor shortages, Chobanova noted.