The Economic and Social Council supports the cause of social and solidarity enterprises and every employment opportunity that the Bulgarian economy can give to people who cannot easily find work because they have a disability or are in another vulnerable situation. This was said by the President of ESC Zornitsa Rusinova, who participated in the opening of the Thirteenth European Forum of Social and Solidarity Economy Entities. The event is organized by the National Union of Labour Productive Collectives with the assistance of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and traditionally draws attention to the activities of cooperatives and the cause of an economy with a social face and added value for society.
“In the Bulgaria 2030 programme, a target of 3% of GDP to be contributed by the social and solidarity economy is written. By comparison, it is currently less than 1%. The ambitious goal we have set is achievable, but it can only happen if we are united and have the support of the institutions,” said Zornitsa Rusinova.
Every initiative on the social and solidarity economy finds the support of Bulgarian business, trade unions and civil society organisations at ESC. In 2024, the Council developed and adopted an opinion on “Accelerating the social economy in Bulgaria in response to contemporary challenges”, in which it made a number of recommendations. These include further refining and building on current legislation, easing administrative procedures, expanding opportunities, seeking targeted financial support with European but also national funds, etc.
“Thank you to the Worker Producer Cooperatives for being an active member of the Economic and Social Council. This year we will be working on the Social Services Act – the challenges that digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the green transition pose for the social economy lie ahead,” said the chair of ESC.
On 7 and 8 April, cooperatives from the system of the National Union of Workers’ Productive Cooperatives and Social Enterprises exhibit their products at Inter Expo Center and present their mission and cause to the general public. Part of the European Forum of Social and Solidarity Economy Entities is also the conference “Workers’ Productive Cooperatives – Entities of Social and Solidarity Economy / 130 years of Workers’ Productive Cooperatives in Bulgaria”.
