Bulgarians’ pension income has not increased much in the past three years, but it has to be understood that there are no easy solutions. In order to have higher incomes, a working economy is needed, according to President Rosen Plevneliev, who received the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor. Along with Labour and Social Policy Minister Totyu Mladenov, the Commissioner will today open in Plovdiv the First European Fair of Social Enterprises and Cooperatives of Persons with Disabilities.

According to the President, competitiveness and productivity will lead to sustainable economic growth and employment growth. Bulgaria has set a goal of achieving 76 per cent employment and reducing the poor by 260 000 people by 2020.

The issue of integration of marginalized social groups in our country will be included in the long-term strategy for development of Bulgaria to 2020, about which some very important discussions are proceeding, the President said. This priority should be dealt with no matter which government is in power, he said.

In its relations with the European Commission Bulgaria should be honest and not conceal its problems, the President said at the meeting. President Plevnevliev and Commissioner Andor emphasised the importance of the implementation of Cohesion Policy priorities relating to social inclusion and strengthening the regions. Commissioner Andor assured the President that the EC will continue to continue to support, through the European Social Fund, implementation of projects and measures to support social inclusion. In this, the good practices and co-operation in recent years should be continued, the Commissioner said.