Romania, Bulgaria To Jointly Act Against EU Restrictions

The issue was reportedly discussed between Bulgaria's Labour Minister Totyu Mladenov and his Romanian counterpart Sulfina Barbu at a meeting in Bucharest.

Both ministers said they were satisfied with the co-operation between the two countries in the field of labour and social policy, the press office of Bulgaria's Labour Ministry said.

Mladenov highlighted the importance of a trilateral agreement signed between Bulgaria, Romania and Greece arranging working conditions and protection of workers' rights. As part of the agreement, the three countries will exchange visits of labour inspectors.

In turn, Barbu said she was willing to help with the organisation of a forum with Romanian and Bulgarian experts to exchange good practices in the field of social inclusion. The Romanian minister also expressed interest in the measures implemented in Bulgaria to promote social dialogue.

The parties signed a two-year bilateral programme in the field of labour and social affairs, which is intended to encourage social dialogue among small and medium-sized enterprises, the social inclusion of the Roma in labour and social services, the proper use of methods to combat informal employment and adjustment of views on current issues in the EU.