Caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Irina Shtonova addressed the National Council of the Bulgarian Association of Industrial Capital, detailing the government’s efforts to support businesses amid global uncertainty. The Economy Ministry reported that significant work was conducted with employers to implement effective support measures for the industrial sector. Shtonova noted that an initial focus involved adjusting the calculation of monthly compensation for businesses, which had previously been based on a six-month period due to high electricity costs.
She stated that the ministry successfully implemented a change to a monthly calculation basis. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of the European Commission’s approval for temporary state aid, allocating EUR 334 million over three years to maintain the economic viability of energy-intensive companies. To mitigate the consequences of the Middle East military conflict, the government has enacted several additional measures.
These actions are designed to target specific sectors while avoiding inflationary pressures. Among these supports are provisions of liquidity for transportation companies and agricultural producers, including guarantees for lease agreements that defer payments until the end of the year. The planned increase in toll fees has also been postponed, affecting all economic sectors.
The Minister stressed that continuous dialogue between the ministry and employers is crucial for sound decision-making and remains a top priority for her tenure. These coordinated efforts underscore the government’s commitment to stabilizing the national economy by addressing immediate operational challenges faced by industry stakeholders.
Topics: #economy #ministry #employers
