EU Says Risk of Poverty, Social Exclusion High in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the EU member states with highest risk of poverty and social exclusion, according to a report of the European Commission.
The report, which examines the social situation in all EU member states, outlines alarming trends regarding long-term unemployment in the Balkan country, the Bulgarian National Radio reported.
Regarding the risks of poverty, the Commission distinguishes between three groups of countries, placing Bulgaria in the most problematic one - where the risks of poverty and social exclusion are greatest, while opportunities for escaping this situation are few.
The share of long-term unemployed in Bulgaria puts the country at the eighth place in the EU with worse indicators shown by Spain, Ireland and Slovakia, among others.
One of the main problems that the EU identified in Bulgaria is that the labour market is unadjusted to reforms. The Commission recommends investments in measures for boosting employment in the country, especially in sectors with high potential such as green economy, ICT and health care.