Social Policies And Living Standards In The Peoples Republic Of Bulgaria

The paper discusses the development of social policies in the transition period presenting the specific case of the Republic of Bulgaria. Employment policies and measures are examined in connection to the national governmental policies and in conditions of some major changes in economic and social life in the transition to a market economy and joining the EU. National programs are described which are targeted to provide acceleration of the structural reform and mitigation of unemployment. The lessons learnt during their preparation, organization and implementation is a valuable experience on which basis priorities of future development are set.

The paper discusses the development of social policies in the Republic of Bulgaria. Employment policies and measures are examined in connection to the national governmental policies and in conditions of some major changes in economic and social life in the transition to a market economy and joining the EU. Active social policy is characterized in its different aspects, as well as different approaches on employment and unemployment regarding labor force and in comparison to the passive policies. The lessons learnt during preparation, organization and implementation of the programs and measures of labor market policy are a valuable experience on which basis conclusions are made about the functioning of labor market and the link to social and economic development, as well as priorities of future development are set.

The paper deals with the problems of social policy development on modern labor market presenting the example of the transition period in the Republic of Bulgaria. Social policy is characterized in its different aspects, as well as different approaches on employment and unemployment regarding labor force. The content of social policy and generalized value indicators for the standard of living of the population are discussed, as well as different stages in labor market and social policy development in the country outlining the most significant features. Conclusions are made about the functioning of labor market and the link to social and economic development.