Caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Irina Shtonova stated at a meeting of the National Council of the Bulgarian Association of Industrial Capital that the caretaker government’s tenure coincided with the start of global uncertainty. The Economy Ministry reported on Friday that during this period, the ministry worked closely with employers to identify supportive measures for businesses. Shtonova noted that an initial discussion focused on adjusting the calculation of monthly compensation for businesses due to elevated electricity costs.
She reported that the initial six-month calculation proved ineffective, necessitating a rapid change to a monthly basis for the compensation. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of the European Commission’s approval for temporary state aid for energy-intensive companies. This funding allocates EUR 334 million over three years, intended to maintain the economic viability of affected enterprises.
Addressing the impact of the military conflict in the Middle East, Shtonova detailed several additional mitigation measures. These actions are designed to support specific sectors without generating further inflationary pressure. Examples 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. Concluding her remarks, Shtonova emphasized that dialogue between the ministry and employers is crucial for effective decision-making, stating that maintaining this collaboration remains a top priority.
Topics: #economy #ministry #employers
