Bulgaria and Macedonia signed a Memorandum of cooperation in the field of labour law, the labour market and combating undeclared work
Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ivaylo Kalfin and Minister of Labor and Social Policy of the Republic of Macedonia Dime Spasov signed a Memorandum of cooperation in the field of labor law, the labor market and combating undeclared.
The partnership between the two countries provides for the exchange of information and expertise in the field of harmonization of labor legislation, social dialogue, seasonal employment, and policies and measures for the reduction and prevention of undeclared work. The two countries are also planning to cooperate in terms of inspection control in order to tackle informal employment and implement programs for active employment policy through the European Social Fund.
During the meeting, Minister Kalfin and his Macedonian counterpart discussed mechanisms to combat youth unemployment. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed readiness to exchange good practices and expertise between the two countries in the process of Macedonia's accession to the European Union.
Ambassador of Macedonia in Bulgaria Blagoj Handjiski emphasized the good cooperation between the two countries. He pointed out that the signed memorandum was the 87th bilateral document between Bulgaria and Macedonia.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ivailo Kalfin held meetings with his counterparts from Romania, Croatia and Montenegro.
“Bulgaria and Romania should continue the good and efficient cooperation within the European Union (EU)”, Minister Kalfin said during his meeting with Secretary of State for Social Dialogue in the Romanian Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and the Elderly Alexandra Braica. The two sides discussed ways and means for implementation of social dialogue and its advantages.
Implementation of the European Youth Guarantee initiative and the work of public employment authorities were among the topics of discussion between Minister Kalfin and Croatian Minister of Labor and Pension System Mirando Mrsić. They also exchanged views on procedures in both countries for granting disability pension.
“Bulgaria supports the efforts of Montenegro in the process of accession to the EU”, Deputy Minister Kalfin assured Minister of Labor and Social Welfare of Montenegro Predrag Bošković. During the working meeting, the two sides agreed to exchange experience in the provision of social services and care for the elderly. The Ministers expressed their willingness to continue the process of signing the Agreement on Social Security between Bulgaria and Montenegro.