Bulgaria has leveraged significant funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan to modernize the infrastructure for elderly care and expand the network of social services in the country. The initiative, which covers homes for the elderly and new social programs, is funded with nearly 800 million leva provided under the European Union mechanism. As part of the program, 81 homes for the elderly are undergoing major renovation and reconstruction, and 254 social services are being created and expanded to improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups.
The statement was made by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, during a meeting of the parliamentary committee on labor and social policy, where he was answering current questions from deputies. In his response, Minister Gutsanov emphasized the uniqueness of this opportunity that Bulgaria is receiving.
"We will not have another opportunity like this—nearly 800 million that have been provided under the RRP and that we are investing in these homes and in 254 social services," he stated, highlighting the scale and importance of the project.
The minister categorically denied claims of delays in the program's implementation, assuring that all activities are proceeding on schedule. In addition to the large-scale renovation of the homes, Gutsanov also presented a new initiative, funded with an additional 77 million leva. This program is aimed at helping municipalities purchase vehicles and charging stations for them. The funds are intended to improve mobile social services, which will facilitate access to care for those in need.
According to the minister, over 220 municipalities have already submitted documents to participate in the new program. The condition set for them is strict and clear: the vehicles must be used exclusively for the needs of social services and must not be luxurious. This measure ensures that public funds are used purposefully and effectively. At the end of his speech, Gutsanov pointed out that if unused funds remain after the completion of the first phase of the program, an additional procedure will be announced. This new opportunity will allow municipalities that were unable to apply initially to join the initiative and take advantage of the funding.
Thus, through the intelligent and timely use of European funds, the Bulgarian government is striving to improve social infrastructure and provide better living conditions for the elderly and those in need.