In Bulgaria the period under review was marked by two equally important processes: the
transition to market economy and the country’s EU integration. Both processes had their
impact on the development of the economy and the labour market. The labour legislation was
harmonised with the EU Law. Notwithstanding the difficult economic situation, Bulgaria
demonstrated progress in bringing its antidiscrimination and equality legislation in
compliance with the European standards, with an increasing recognition, especially in the
recent years, of the need to take measures for resolution of the problems faced by some
vulnerable minority groups and immigrants living in Bulgaria. Another positive step is the
increasing trend toward consultations with social partners and NGOs on issues of their
concern.
Prior to the crisis the labour and employment conditions in many sectors were improved
against the background of a stable economic growth. The crisis hit Bulgaria later, at the end
of 2008. After three consecutive years (2006-2008) of significant economic growth of over
6%, in 2009 the GDP dropped by 5.5%. The most affected sectors were agriculture, industry
and trade where the drop was over 8%. In 2010 there was a record drop in the field of
construction - 17.9% of the GVA.
The situation of the labour market started to deteriorate in late 2008. According to Eurostat
data, 400,000 jobs were lost for the period 2008 – 2011. The trend continued in 2012 but at a
decreasing rate. The economic crisis had negative impact on the most vulnerable groups
including immigrants and ethnic minorities, and made them especially vulnerable to
unemployment, precarious working conditions and in many cases to discrimination.