23/12/2021

On December 23, 2021, the leadership of the National Union of Production Cooperatives—represented by its Chairman, Mr. Bozhidar Stanchev—and the City Union of Production Cooperatives (Sofia)—represented by its Chairman, Assoc. Prof. Vladislav Lazarov, D.Sc.—held meetings with the Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Mr. Georgi Gyokov, and Deputy Minister Mr. Ivan Krastev. The discussions focused on future cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP) and the National Union of Production Cooperatives, in its capacity as a nationally representative organization for persons with disabilities. The parties expressed an intention to collaborate on the joint organization and hosting of the annual European Forum for Social Entrepreneurship. Furthermore, they discussed enhancing the role and standing of cooperatives in the implementation of the state’s social policy, establishing new cooperatives, creating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, and ensuring the participation of cooperatives in the Republic of Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan in the coming years.