Caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Irina Shtonova addressed the National Council of the Bulgarian Association of Industrial Capital, noting that the government’s term coincided with increasing global uncertainty. She reported that the ministry collaborated closely with employers to implement support measures for businesses navigating this volatile period. Shtonova detailed policy adjustments addressing high electricity costs.
Initially, monthly compensation calculations were based on a six-month period, a structure that proved insufficient. The ministry successfully amended this system to calculate compensation on a monthly 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 impact of the Middle East military conflict, the government has enacted targeted measures designed to support specific sectors without generating inflationary pressure across the wider economy. These measures include providing liquidity guarantees for transportation companies and agricultural producers, allowing them to defer lease payments until the end of the year. Additionally, the planned increase in toll fees, which affects all economic sectors, has been postponed.
The Minister emphasized that continuous dialogue between the ministry and the business community is fundamental to effective governance. She stressed that maintaining this consultative relationship with employers remains a top priority for sound decision-making within the nation’s industrial sector.
Topics: #economy #ministry #employers
