Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov said Monday that the responsibilities of the State should be clearly defined, with long-term planning extending at least 15 years ahead. He was speaking at a conference in Varna, part of BTA’s Europe on the Balkans: Cohesion Skills project, held at the BTA National Press Club.
"I hope the scientific potential is utilized optimally so that our children and students have fewer reasons to work abroad," he stressed. Gutsanov also pointed out that the achievements of Varna are very great even in modern times.
"The responsibility is greater when you're in your hometown. You're a minister for a time, but then you return—and it's essential never to lose sight of what matters to people."
Gutsanov pointed to the construction of an intermodal terminal in Varna as a key development. "It will direct students from the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval School, from the University of Economics and from the Technical University," he said. "This terminal is necessary. And that means that there will be a need for people. For the production of military ships, if it continues as a programme, personnel will be needed as well. Again, an opportunity for a connection between education and economy," he added.
He also highlighted the availability of funds under various EU programmes. "Mostly for training, for qualifications, for the accumulation of skills. The money is nearly 1 billion for the entire programming period. I would like it to be used in the best way, to direct this money so that people receive the education and qualification they need and to be directed directly to the operating business."
Noting Bulgaria's role as an external border of the EU, he said the country should take advantage of this position to increase the flow of goods through its territory.
Gutsanov also stressed the importance of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. “The combination of science and economy is of key importance. Bulgarians have always been famous for their love of education. Varna is a suitable city for this topic. Let's hope we make this combination,” he said.
BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project aims to raise public awareness and foster open dialogue about cohesion policy, local achievements, and the implementation of the EU's policy priorities. The project kicked off with a conference in Veliki Preslav in November 2024. The schedule of conferences until the end of September 2025 includes events in the following cities: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kazanlak, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Razgrad, Ruse, Samokov, Svishtov, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Troyan, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, and Yambol. Cross-border conferences will be held in Belgrade, Bosilegrad, Bucharest, Edirne, Skopje, and Thessaloniki. The project builds on the Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future and Europe in Bulgaria: A Common Future projects, implemented by BTA in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
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