Round table dedicated to improving the demographic situation in the Republic of Bulgaria

Prof. Irena Ilieva, PhD, Acting Director of the Institute for the State and the Law at BAS, and Vladimir Hristov, PhD, from the Department of Public Law, took part in a round table devoted to improving the demographic situation of the Republic of Bulgaria on 14 November 2017 in the town of Vratsa. It was organised under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Demographic Policy. Participants included Assoc. Prof. Lubomir Ivanov, adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Katya Vladimirova, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Elitsa Dimitrova, PhD, from the Institute for Population and Human Studies, and Emilia Voynova, PhD, Head of the Demographic Development Department at the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

The event was opened by Mr Kalin Kamenov, Mayor of Vratsa Municipality. In his address he stressed that the demographic problem is a national one and must be addressed both by economic means and by improving infrastructure, as well as by creating a suitable environment for young families and children, providing kindergartens and schools, and organising various cultural events that enhance the image of Vratsa.

The round table was divided into two thematic panels: one devoted to improving the demographic situation by stimulating the birth rate and limiting youth migration, and the other to a change in immigration policy.

Assoc. Prof. L. Ivanov focused on the problem of regional imbalances, the question of foreign investment and the shortage of labour caused by the demographic problem, which has long been known. Particularly valuable in his presentation was the outline of six measures that are to be submitted for adoption to the National Council on Demographic Policy at the Council of Ministers.

E. Voynova, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Elitsa Dimitrova presented detailed statistical information on the demographic situation and the trends in population development in Bulgaria.

Prof. Katya Vladimirova presented scientifically verified data on the migration movements of Bulgarian citizens abroad, as well as data on their return to Bulgaria, and on the policy of encouraging the settlement in the country of third-country nationals of Bulgarian origin and self-identification.

Prof. I. Ilieva addressed the legislative regulation of certain policies, in particular the single permit for long-term residence and work. She made critical remarks on the current regulation in the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act and the Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act, and proposed easing and simplifying the procedures for attracting qualified labour of Bulgarian origin.