Caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Irina Shtonova addressed the National Council of the Bulgarian Association of Industrial Capital, reporting on the measures taken by the caretaker government to support businesses amid global uncertainty. The Economy Ministry detailed efforts to collaborate with employers to implement effective support mechanisms. Shtonova highlighted an initial challenge regarding the calculation of monthly compensation for businesses due to high electricity costs.
She noted that the original six-month calculation proved ineffective, allowing the ministry to swiftly adjust the measure to a monthly basis. Furthermore, she emphasized 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 enterprises. To mitigate the impacts of the Middle East military conflict, the ministry implemented several targeted measures designed to support specific sectors without exacerbating inflationary pressures.
These initiatives include providing liquidity support for transportation companies and agricultural producers. Additionally, the government has guaranteed lease agreements for these sectors, enabling payment deferrals until the end of the year, and has postponed increases in toll fees affecting all economic sectors. The minister stressed that continuous dialogue between the ministry and employers is crucial for sound decision-making.
She stated that maintaining this dialogue remains a top priority for her work and is essential for future policy development within the economy.
Topics: #economy #ministry #employers
