Caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Irina Shtonova stated at a meeting of the National Council of the Bulgarian Association of Industrial Capital that the current government term coincided with the emergence of global uncertainty. The Economy Ministry reported on Friday that during this period, the ministry worked closely with employers to identify effective support measures for businesses. Shtonova noted that an initial concern addressed was the calculation method for monthly compensation for businesses affected by high electricity prices.
She reported that the original six-month calculation proved ineffective, leading to a swift adjustment to a monthly basis. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of the European Commission’s approval to provide temporary state aid for energy-intensive companies, allocating EUR 334 million over three years to maintain the economic viability of affected enterprises. To mitigate the impact of the Middle East military conflict, the ministry has implemented several measures, carefully targeting specific sectors to support businesses without generating inflationary pressure.
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 increase in toll fees, which impacts all economic sectors, has been postponed. Shtonova concluded by emphasizing that dialogue between the ministry and employers is crucial for making sound decisions, stating that maintaining this dialogue remains a top priority.
Topics: #economy #ministry #employers
