Economic migration – the main reason for the demographic crisis in Bulgaria (OBZOR)

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Sofia. A team from the Department of Demography of the Institute for Population and Human Studies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IHNH-BAS) project "Measures to overcome the demographic crisis in the Republic of Bulgaria". Scientists from the six working group of the project summarized the results of the research and proposed concrete measures to change the negative trends in the demographic development of the country. During the press conference, they explained key processes that affect the reproduction of the population and the formation of a contemporary demographic picture. The processes of birth, mortality, internal and external migrations and endangered ethnic and religious groups, with special emphasis on economic migration, as the main factor for the depopulation of certain regions and the reduction of the size of the population. BAS team presented possible scenarios of population development in the medium term, focusing on changes in the number and quality of the workforce, as well as on measures to optimize demographic reproduction. Specific changes have been proposed to legislation and policies in the field of labor development, economic activity and employment, as well as improving the quality of jobs and promoting participation in education and training.
According to the director of the Institute for Population and Human Studies (IHNH) in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) Prof. Dr. Antoaneta Hristova regardless of the policy to be followed in the coming years, the number of people in Bulgaria will be reduced. She explained that the project of the demographic crisis in Bulgaria was serious and that it was given in December by the Council of Ministers. "In this project, we had the task of developing a policy for solving demographic problems in Bulgaria, a policy of truth, not an idea." The project is made up of several groups in order to consider the approaches adopted by the state and look at those that are effective over time, "she said. she.
Prof. Tatania Kotseva, PhD from the Department of Demography of the Institute pointed out that the birth rate in Bulgaria is at the European level, and the risk of demographic collapse is due to higher mortality rates. She stressed that incentives to overcome the country's demographic crisis could be family policy strategies aimed at improving services for children in areas such as health, education, conflict and family difficulties. Prof. Kotzeva explained that while examining young couples asking them what would encourage them to make a decision on childbirth and care, the most frequently answered answers were: access to free textbooks, medication, school food and free class activities. She explained that improving the conditions in Bulgaria for raising children could be an increase in compensation, finding a job with reduced or flexible working hours, access to children in kindergartens and kindergartens.
During the meeting Prof. Dr. Кремена Борисова said that the average quality of jobs in Bulgaria is more than 4 times worse than the average for the European Union. According to her, the inadequate attractiveness of the labor market makes young people leave our country. She pointed out that all proposed measures in the demolition project could be implemented if high continuity, consistency, transparency of legislative and management structures at all levels in the country were noticed.
According to the words Prof. Dr. Ilona Tomova associate professor at the Institute for Population and Humanities of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, social inequalities in the country are constantly increasing and increasing unfavorable demographic trends. "A number of international studies have shown that reducing social inequalities leads to sustainable development in the country, reducing mortality, a longer life with better health, reducing early birth rates, increasing birth rates in higher education groups, reducing violence, migration and violent death," he explained. Professor Tomova.
According to Doc.dr. Atanas Tashev the state must make a series of reforms in order to preserve and return young Bulgarians who have gone to foreign countries. He said that the great lack of state policy is the lack of continuity of diplomas obtained at foreign universities, which were not recognized in the territory of our country. Professor Tashev said that this is an obstacle for many young and educated people who would like to return. According to him, it will not do so if they know that their education and qualifications will not be recognized here.
The project "Measures to overcome the demographic crisis in the Republic of Bulgaria" was presented to the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.
Diana Djulgerova

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