Bulgarian Socialists to Submit Antitrust Package in Early 2014

Bulgaria's Parliament will start working on a comprehensive package of antitrust laws right after New Year holidays, according to socialist leader Sergei Stanishev.

Stanishev, as cited by the press office of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), made clear Saturday that the set of measures enjoyed the approval of ministers and the liberal Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) party.

He pointed out that the measures concerned the modes of operation of banks and other financial institutions, consumer rights, the rights of Bulgarian producers, energy monopolies, etc.

He claimed that the proposals would enter the agenda of Parliament at the beginning of 2014.

"Apart from that, state budget 2014 envisages a total of BGN 500 M for regional investments and infrastructure projects and job creation, which will show Bulgaria a different cohesion policy," the leader of BSP and PES insisted.

"The campaign of the Party of European Socialists (PES) for fighting youth unemployment won EUR 6 B in extra funding for the first two years of the next programming period but this is not enough and we will seek additional financing," he added.

He claimed that youth unemployment was a horrendous problem all over Europe, stressing that the rate amounted to over 50% in Greece, Spain had reached a level of almost 60%, and Bulgaria's rate also exceeded the EU average.

Stanishev reminded that Bulgaria would receive EUR 50 M for fighting youth unemployment in 2014, adding that the national action plan would be submitted for approval by the European Commission by the end of the month and the scheme would also use national co-financing.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!