On July 14, 2025, a large-scale international project EMERALD was presented, whose main goal is to empower migrant workers through innovative approaches to professional realization. The initiative, implemented under the Erasmus+ program, brings together experts from various organizations with the ambition to create an effective model for social and professional integration.
During the official presentation, leading specialists outlined the challenges facing the modern labor market. Dr. Vasil Todorov, Vice President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the green and digital transition generate new employment opportunities but require adequate workforce preparation.
Studies presented during the event reveal alarming trends: 60% of companies encounter difficulties obtaining adequate information, and 60% suffer from administrative barriers when implementing structural changes. Nearly 78% of employers declare an acute need for additional employees.
Among the key requirements for potential employees are: professional qualification (68%), ability to complete tasks qualitatively and on time (55%), teamwork skills (47%), and language competencies (42%).
Participants in the discussion - including representatives of the UN Refugee Agency, trade union organizations, and non-governmental associations - shared specific challenges in integrating migrants into the Bulgarian labor market.
Project EMERALD sets the ambitious goal of creating innovative "retraining laboratories" that will develop specialized training programs in sectors with high development potential. The focus is on acquiring green and digital skills that will enhance workforce competitiveness.
According to the presented data, the benefits of such an approach are significant: 90% increase in competitiveness, 60% access to new markets, and 50% improvement in energy efficiency.
Among the participants were experts such as Tsvetomir Dumanov from Caritas Sofia, Nicolas Rodriguez from the UN, Bistra Ivanova from Multi Culti Collective, Atanaska Todorova from CITUB, and Sevdalina Voynova from the Sofia Development Association.
The project is expected to offer innovative solutions for overcoming challenges in migrant and unemployed integration, while simultaneously supporting economic development and social inclusion.
Additional information about upcoming EMERALD project activities will be published in the coming weeks.