Main challenges

Bulgaria’s young people face challenges that can hinder their full participation in society. These challenges are due to some economic, educational, social, and political factors. 

Economic and employment barriers

• Youth unemployment: Despite gradual improvements in the broader economy, many young Bulgarians experience difficulties to find stable, quality employment. A mismatch between skills acquired in education and labour market needs further exacerbates this issue.

• Informal work and underemployment: Some youth are pushed into informal or part-time jobs, which often offer limited career growth and social security benefits.

Educational and skill development challenges

• Educational system limitations: The education system sometimes struggles to provide modern, market-relevant skills. Limited investment in technology, modern teaching methods, and infrastructure can result in lower quality of education.

• Mismatch of skills: Sometimes a mismatch exists between the competencies developed by young people and the evolving demands of the job market, which contributes to underemployment and unemployment.

Social and cultural inclusion issues

• Marginalization of minority youth: Young people from ethnic minorities (mainly from Roma community) sometimes face discrimination and social exclusion, limiting their access to quality education, employment opportunities, and community participation.

• Urban-rural division: Youth in rural areas may have fewer educational, cultural, and employment opportunities compared to those in urban centres. This geographic division contributes to unequal opportunities for social inclusion.

• Digital divide: Although internet penetration has improved, not all young people have equal access to digital tools and the internet, which can restrict their ability to engage in modern economic and social activities.

Political and civic participation

• Low political engagement: Many young people feel disconnected from traditional political processes, which can lead to political apathy or disinterest. 

• Limited youth representation: Young people sometimes have limited representation in decision-making bodies, which can result in policies that do not fully address their needs or potential contributions to society.

Main concepts

Social inclusion

In Bulgaria, according to the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Inclusion 2030 (Национална стратегия за намаляване на бедността и насърчаване на социалното включване 2030), social inclusion is understood as a process aimed at ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources, enabling all individuals, including young people, to participate fully in economic, social, and cultural life. This encompasses measures to overcome poverty, promote employment, provide access to quality education and healthcare, and eliminate discrimination and social isolation. In relation to youth social inclusion, this strategy aims to reduce youth poverty rates, decrease the share of NEETs, improve labour market integration of vulnerable young people, strengthen preventive measures against marginalization, ensure equal access to education, training, healthcare, housing, and social services, and promote youth participation and empowerment as a tool for social cohesion.

Youth

The Youth Act (Закон за младежта) (promulgated in State Gazette (SG) no. 31/20.04.2012, effective 20.04.2012 and was last amended and supplemented in SG no. 61/02.08.2022, effective 02.08.2022) of Bulgaria defines “youth” as individuals aged 15 to 29 years inclusive. 

National youth policy

The national youth policy, as defined in the Youth Act, is targeted and consistent activity of the state, municipalities, youth organizations, and society, aiming to create favourable conditions for the full personal development of young people and their participation in social and economic life. It also seeks to involve young people in governance at local, regional, and national levels through activities that encourage their development.

National Youth Strategy (2021-2030)

The National Youth Strategy 2021-2030 (Национална стратегия за младежта 2021-2030) sets out the long-term goals and priorities of Bulgaria’s youth policy. Its vision is to have capable, engaged, and empowered young people ready to develop their full potential and contribute consciously to the development of the Republic of Bulgaria in the context of the European family and the global world.

National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Inclusion 2030)

This strategy outlines Bulgaria’s vision, goals, and priorities for establishing an integrated approach to preventing poverty and coping with its consequences. It contributes to the coherence and complementarity of sectoral policies and strategies that help promote social inclusion.

National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation of the Roma (2021-2030)

The National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation of the Roma (2021-2030) (Национална стратегия за равенство, приобщаване и участие на ромите (2021-2030)) aims to address the specific challenges faced by the Roma community, including young Roma, through measures ensuring equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and housing. It is based on three approaches: targeted, mainstreaming, and territorial, applying an integrated approach to the social inclusion of Roma.

Inclusive education 

A process of recognizing, accepting and supporting the individuality of each child or student and the diversity of needs of all children and students through the activation and inclusion of resources aimed at removing obstacles to teaching and learning and at creating opportunities for the development and participation of children and students in all aspects of community life. Ordinance on Inclusive Education (Наредба за приобщаващото образование) (effective from 27 October 2017, last amendment and supplement of 6 August 2024)

These concepts and strategic documents form the foundation of Bulgaria’s policies for the social inclusion of young people, reflecting the country’s commitment to creating an inclusive society where every young person has the opportunity for full participation and development.