News

  Ninth meeting of the Working Group preparing the new "Human Resources Development" Operational Program was held on March 7 in Sofia. It was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Rositza Iankova. The meeting was attended by representatives of MLSP (Managing Authority of OPHRD ), of other ministries and institutions, involved in the implementation of the program, social partners (employers' associations and trade unions) and representatives of five groups of NGOs. Roma organizations were represented by Deyan Kolev.

  Almost finished draft of the new OPHRD was presented during the meeting. It included an investment priority "Socio- economic integration of marginalized communities such as Roma", it will be one of the 5 top priorities to be allocated at least 60% of the program's resources. Integrated projects of municipalities and NGOs covering a minimum of three priorities - education, employment and health and social services will be funded within this priority axis. Priority will be given to projects that include activities in the fourth direction - community development and overcoming anti - Roma stereotypes.

  The only debate at the meeting was on the indicative allocation of funds by priority axes. The present draft of OPHRD provides 33% of the program's resources to be allocated to the social inclusion priority(targeting vulnerable groups such as Roma, migrants, people with disabilities, people in need of special social services, and to build social enterprises). Representatives of the National Association of Municipalities and Roma organizations have suggested this percentage to be raised to 36 %, and argumented that with the identified needs on the ground. Decision on the matter was left for the next meeting, which is expected in early April.