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Vera Pirimova
STRATEGIES AND TRENDS FOR STABILIZATION
OF THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
AND BULGARIA
Summary:
The study classifies the comparative characteristics, the major problem areas and the challenges for the economic growth of the EU and Bulgaria in the context of the "Europe 2020" strategy. The main structural weaknesses are the lower growth rates, the relatively high unemployment rates, the insufficient level and the un-optimized structure of employment, and the social problems and differentiations between the EU countries. These weaknesses were singled out on the basis of statistical data and empirical analysis of the economic developments in the EU during the period 1970-2010, and mainly during the last twenty years. The structural weaknesses of regional economies are even more obvious in the process of integration and intensifying competition with third countries, especially in terms of intensive economic globalization. To overcome the highlighted economic and social problems we definitely need to take certain measures on national level as well as coordinated policies within the EU. Our efforts must be focused primarily on stimulating investments (particularly in advanced technologies), solving problems of the development of the European educational systems, development and implementation of environmental technologies. Thus we can achieve greater competitiveness and improve the quality and sustainability of economic growth in the EU and Bulgaria.
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Pencho Penchev, Rositsa Pencheva
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – THEORETICAL
AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS
Summary:
The present paper argues again that sustainable development is an objective need of people, which has no alternative. The paper examines a very small part of the ‘man-nature’ relationship. On the one hand, the major achievements in the implementation of the sustainable development are described and, on the other hand, the problems that need to be studied and solved by scientists, policy makers, practitioners and others are set out, since this concept requires an integrated approach. We consider that the implementation of sustainable development is the only option. Moreover, its implementation is imposed by the reality because we owe it to present and future generations.
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Trayan Yosifov
SPECIFICS OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN BULGARIA AND DISTINCTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT
Summary:
The economic development of Bulgaria is somewhat running behind compared to other European Union countries. This ongoing issue raises the necessity for an in-depth analysis of the causes which are impeding the dynamic growth of the country. In this regard, the paper has two objectives - first it aims at outlining the key economic features of business development in Bulgaria, which are strongly related to future exponential growth. The second and most important objective of the study is to offer practical solutions for improving the conditions for more efficient implementation of business processes. Achieving the goals that have been formulated requires the following task to be carried out, namely to analyze a set of indicators of the business environment that are a key factor for its development. The main thesis of the study is that identification the favourable opportunities for qualitative improvement of certain system indicators of the business environment creates prerequisites for stimulating the development of the Bulgarian economy. Based on the research, it can be concluded that in order to increase the overall competitiveness of Bulgarian enterprises, urgent measures are to be taken by the state to improve the conditions under which business entities operate.