Caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Irina Shtonova addressed the National Council of the Bulgarian Association of Industrial Capital, noting that the current government term coincided with the emergence of global economic uncertainty. The Economy Ministry reported on Friday that the ministry worked closely with employers to determine effective support measures for businesses. Shtonova detailed an initial challenge concerning the calculation of monthly compensation for businesses due to high electricity costs, which were initially calculated over a six-month period and proved ineffective.
She stated that the ministry successfully implemented a change, revising the compensation calculation to a monthly basis. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of the European Commission’s approval for temporary state aid for energy-intensive companies. This aid allocates EUR 334 million over three years, intended to maintain the economic viability of affected enterprises.
To mitigate the consequences of the Middle East military conflict, the ministry has implemented several additional measures. These actions are designed to target specific sectors to support businesses without generating further inflationary pressure. Among these measures are provisions of liquidity for transportation companies and agricultural producers.
The government has extended guarantees for their lease agreements, allowing payment deferrals until the end of the year, and has postponed increases in toll fees affecting all economic sectors. Shtonova emphasized that dialogue between the ministry and employers is crucial for sound decision-making, calling it a top priority in her work and one that must continue.
Topics: #economy #ministry #employers
