AOBE WITH PROPOSALS FOR EMERGENCY MEASURES IN CONNECTION WITH THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

The Association of the Organizations of Bulgarian Employers (AOBE) has sent a letter to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Economy and Industry, the Minister of Labor and Social Policy and the Minister of Energy with proposals for emergency measures in connection with the crisis in Ukraine.

AOBE welcomes the swift and coordinated action of the Bulgarian government in response to the crisis in Ukraine, including decisions to strengthen cybersecurity, the creation of a unified information portal and urgent consultations with employers on further action. It is in this direction that employers offer their active participation in overcoming the humanitarian crisis, stating that Bulgarian business is ready to employ Ukrainian citizens who seek and receive protection from the Republic of Bulgaria.

Based on previous surveys, analyzes of the unemployment rate and labor market trends, taking into account the level of education and qualifications, we estimate that the labor market could employ about 200 thousand Ukrainian citizens.

AOBE proposes that the Bulgarian government develop a targeted program aimed at reducing the timeframe for obtaining refugee/humanitarian status for Ukrainian citizens, which should operate for a limited period of time, allowing normal living and working conditions for Ukrainian citizens.

Along with the measures to deal with the humanitarian crisis, employers insist on two urgent anti-crisis measures:

1. Take measures to control the difficult situation on the electricity market and prevent an energy crisis.

2. Taking measures to support Bulgarian companies from the loss of international markets and difficult transport links.

Accumulating crisis situations and growing challenges require coordinated and rapid action, and show the need for the state to act in constant dialogue and synchrony with business, in which AOBE is a reliable and responsible partner.