The government has set the poverty line for 2027 at 443 euros, which will trigger automatic adjustments to several types of social benefits. During a briefing, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Natalia Efremova explained that this represents an increase of 13.4%, or 53 euros, compared to the current value.
The National Action Plan for Employment for 2026, which has already been approved by the Council of Ministers, aims to increase the employment rate for the 20 to 64 age group to 77 percent and reduce the unemployment rate to 3.5 percent. The implementation of the plan is allocated 44,993,700 euros—funds approved in the state budget for active labor market policies.
Projects and programs supported by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy will reach nearly 8,000 unemployed individuals. Additionally, over 6,000 people will participate in training programs to acquire the knowledge and skills currently sought by employers. The focus of the employment policy is to stimulate labor activity and reduce unemployment, with particular attention paid to disadvantaged groups. There is also an emphasis on the quality of the workforce, ensuring it is adapted to the digitalization of the economy and the process of a just transition toward climate neutrality.
In 2026, priority groups include youth up to 29 years old (those not in education or employment), as well as unemployed persons with permanent disabilities. Additional efforts will be directed toward:
- unemployed individuals over the age of 55;
- people with primary or lower education who lack professional qualifications;
- individuals who have been unemployed for more than 12 months.
These national employment and social benefit measures will determine the living and working conditions for residents of Burgas and the region.
The "Beautiful Bulgaria" project will provide jobs in the construction sector for 300 people. Simultaneously, wage increases are planned for certain categories. For those included in full-time subsidized employment, remuneration will be aligned with the minimum wage and will increase from 550.66 to 620.20 euros. The wage changes will also cover the following areas:
- the "Career Start" program for youth — from 649.34 to 732 euros;
- mediators (youth and Roma) — from 672.35 to 758 euros;
- psychologists and case managers under the National Program "Activating Inactive Persons" — from 756.71 to 853 euros.