National Action

In figures released by the National Social Security Institute persons with disabilities registered in Bulgaria are 689,187, of them 281,000 at a working age, according to BNR.

In unofficial statistics only 10% of them are employed - the estimate was announced at a press conference on creating employment for persons with disabilities.

The right to early retirement, which is only provided to the mothers of autistic children who are in need of constant care, will be expanded to include fathers as well as other persons responsible for caring for the children as part of a new government plan.

BELGRADE - Cooperation with the UN and its specialized agencies and bodies has been of great significance for furthering the reform process, which is especially important for Serbia's progress towards EU membership, noted Minister of Defense Zoran Djordjevic at a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for Serbia Irena Vojackova Sollorano.

The controversial Macedonian journalist who claimed the desecration of a Bulgarian memorial plaque in September became a member of a number of governmental workgroups earlier this year, Macedonian media report.

Advances in information technologies and the increase in the use of the Internet have drastically changed human life. The biggest transformation has in fact occurred in cyberspace and a substantial amount of information has already been moved to online storage. These changes undoubtedly create various opportunities as well as challenges, not only for individuals but for states as well.

The Ministry of Culture is organizing a series of events from June 5-7, titled “Green Cultural Routes.” The events – drafted by the Museums directorates in the framework of participation in the National Action Plan for Education in sustainable development – are aimed at raising awareness on sustainable growth.

BELGRADE - Women, who make up half of the population, should be actively involved in any changes that shape and affect their society, including conflict prevention and resolution, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, said on the occasion of International Women's Day on Sunday.

VIENNA - Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Ambassador Miroslava Beham, has said that enhancing the participation of women in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts is key to achieving security and stability in Ukraine, according to a release from the OSCE.

The low minimum wage disincentivises people from working and they prefer to live on benefits, according to Ivaylo Kalfin, Bulgaria's Minister of Labor and Social Policy.

Turkey’s EU Ministry has promoted yet another tool aimed at facilitating redoubled efforts to accede to the 28-nation union, undertaking what it says will provide "fresh air" for its citizens.