October 5, 2009



National Assembly President Tsetska Tsacheva has opened in Sofia an international conference themed: "Employment and the crisis – the political response in Europe. It was organized by the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria and the European Economic and Social Committee.

How to preserve jobs during a crisis is an extremely important topic and a top priority on the agenda of every EU country and responsible statesman, the President of the Bulgarian Parliament pointed out in her address. The fact that this authoritative forum is held in Bulgaria proves the increased concern and commitment towards this not only national but also common European problem, added Ms Tsetska Tsacheva. She noted that the Conference was a decisive step towards the elaboration of a summary report and the drafting of common anti-crisis policies in Europe.

The Chair of the National Assembly noted that the requested by the Bulgarian government proposals, opinions and analysis on the part of the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council with regards to the crisis and the labor market have been the focus of attention of the specialized parliamentary committees of the 41st National Assembly. I am sure the most valuable recommendations and suggestions will soon find their concrete impact in the upcoming legislative acts of the Bulgarian Parliament, stressed Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva.


I completely share the understanding that effective and geared to the needs of the citizens of Europe decisions can be taken only through the active involvement of civil society organizations at national and European level, said in her address the President of the National Assembly.


This conference is a key step in the development and implementation of anti-crisis policies and measures in Europe, said Lalko Dulevski, Chairman of the ESC. The document will be adopted at the annual meeting of the presidents and general secretaries of the National Economic and Social Councils of the member states of the EU, which will be held in November in Sofia, he added.


The conference discussions were focused on the crisis impact on employment and the measures taken at national and European level to promote employment and strengthen the labor market. Special attention at the forum was paid to the specific measures taken in Bulgaria to counter the crisis.


The forum was attended by representatives of the European Economic and Social Committee, the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council and those of the member states of the EU, the European Commission, the International Labor Organization, state institutions, NGOs and members of the academia.