Governance

In Bulgaria, the governance of social inclusion operates through a coordinated framework involving national, regional, and local authorities, alongside active participation from civil society and social partners.

The principal governmental authority overseeing social inclusion is the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP). MLSP is responsible for formulating and implementing national policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion. It collaborates with various public institutions, including the Agency for Social Assistance, which administers social services and benefits, and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, which focuses on integrating individuals with disabilities into society and the labour market. 

A National Council on Social Inclusion Issues was established at the Council of Ministers to carry out coordination, cooperation and consultation in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the state policy in the field of social inclusion. Its main functions are to formulate proposals for drafting strategies, programmes, action plans and other strategic documents, as well as delivering opinions on drafts of strategic documents in the field of social inclusion. The Chairman of the Council is the Minister of Labour and Social Policy, who manages its activity and represents the Council. The National Council on Social Inclusion Issues is composed of high-level (deputy ministers) representatives of government institutions (ministries, agencies, etc.), trade unions, local authorities, NGOs, Bulgarian Academy of Science. 

Additionally, the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Issues, operating under the Council of Ministers, plays crucial role in coordinating policies related to the integration of ethnic minorities, particularly the Roma community.

Non-public actors significantly contribute to the development of social inclusion policies. Trade unions and employers' associations engage in social dialogue, influencing labour and social policies. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), especially those representing vulnerable groups, participate in consultative processes, providing insights and advocating for inclusive measures. Furthermore, social and solidarity economy entities, such as cooperatives and social enterprises, are increasingly recognized for their role in fostering social inclusion and are involved in policy discussions through various forums and working groups.

Bulgaria employs a multi-level governance approach to social inclusion. At national level, MLSP sets strategic priorities and frameworks, such as the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Inclusion 2030, ensuring alignment with European Union directives and international commitments. Regional authorities facilitate the implementation of national policies, adapting them to regional contexts and needs. At local level, municipalities are entrusted with executing social inclusion initiatives tailored to their communities. Municipalities develop and manage local social services, often in partnership with NGOs and community organizations, to address specific challenges such as unemployment, educational disparities and access to healthcare. This decentralized structure allows for responsive and context-specific interventions, ensuring that social inclusion efforts effectively reach and support vulnerable populations across the country.

Cross-sectoral cooperation

Cross-sectoral cooperation in the field of social inclusion policy is primarily carried out by the National Council on Social Inclusion under the Council of Ministers. 

The leading authority responsible for coordinating social inclusion policies is the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP). MLSP leads the preparation and monitoring of the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Inclusion 2020-2030, which serves as the overarching framework for anti-poverty and inclusion measures. Cross-sectoral coordination is ensured through interministerial working groups established for the drafting, implementation and monitoring of the Strategy, involving representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior and other relevant institutions. Executive agencies under MLSP, such as the Agency for Social Assistance and the Employment Agency, participate in operational coordination, data exchange and joint implementation of employment and social support measures. Strategic monitoring is supported through national reporting mechanisms linked to the European Semester and EU social policy coordination processes.

Other cross-sectoral mechanisms exist for specific vulnerable groups and thematic areas. The National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Issues, operating under the Council of Ministers, coordinates the implementation of the National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma 2021-2030, bringing together line ministries, regional and local authorities and civil society representatives. Similarly, coordination on disability inclusion involves the Agency for Persons with Disabilities in cooperation with sectoral ministries. 

Bulgaria applies structured, strategy-based coordination model, combining interministerial councils and thematic working groups to ensure horizontal policy coherence in the field of social inclusion. Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (Министерство на труда и социалната политика) (last accessed 19/02/2026)