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Youth Wiki

Bulgaria

3. Employment & Entrepreneurship

Last update: 4 March 2025

Establishment of conditions to increase the employment and decrease the inactivity and unemployment among young people is among the priorities of the employment policy in Bulgaria. 

Bulgaria implements a range of policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for young people, addressing challenges such as high youth unemployment rates, particularly among the less-educated and those residing in peripheral regions. 

National Youth Strategy 2021-2030: This strategy outlines Bulgaria's long-term goals for youth policy, including promoting non-formal learning, supporting employment for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), fostering youth engagement and empowerment, and enhancing youth work nationally. 

Youth Guarantee Scheme: In line with EU recommendations, Bulgaria's Youth Guarantee ensures that all young people aged 15 to 24 receive a quality offer of employment, continued education, apprenticeship, or traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education. 

Employment Subsidies and Training Programs: The Bulgarian government utilizes hiring subsidies and education and training initiatives to combat youth unemployment. These subsidies often secure full-time employment for 3 to 6 months, with extensions up to 12 months for long-term unemployed individuals. Priority is given to young people with primary and lower education, long-term unemployed youth, and those with permanent disabilities.