30 May 2008

Parliament passed on first reading the amendments in the Social Welfare Act. They cut the term for receiving social assistance benefits for unemployment from 18 to 12 months. The Bill was proposed by MPs Donka Mihailova, Hassan Ademov and Hristina Hristova. The measure is suggested to enter into force on July 1st, 2008. In the future the emphasis will be put on making social assistance more equitable and to stimulate people in active age to become more self reliant and responsible, to increase their education and skills. The measure is presumed to help this group of people reintegrate into the labor market. During the year on unemployment benefits they will be able to increase their education and skills that will make them more employable. They will be assisted in finding new jobs and improve their qualifications through the “Employment Departments” of the Ministry of Labor and Social policy.

National Assembly ratified the ILO Convention 102 from 1952. The Convention provides unified directions for development of all branches of social insurance.

MPs approved on first reading a Bill for the provision of Loans backed by the Government for full time students and doctoral candidates until age 35. The students may come from Bulgaria, from a European Union country and from Switzerland. The studies can be in a private or public educational institution. The loans could cover tuition and/or support expenses.

Parliament ratified an agreement between Bulgaria and the United States for Scientific and Technical Cooperation. The document was signed first in Washington, DC on January 4th, 2008.

MPs nominated Vassil Petrov and Nezabravka Stoeva as inspectors at the Inspectorate to the Supreme Judicial Council.