On June 9, 2026, the Bulgarian Red Cross and the Institute for Population and Human Studies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IPHS-BAS) held the expert seminar “People on the Move: Migration, Employment, and Social Integration” as part of the TRAM4DW project—“Transnational Counseling for Migrants on Decent Working Conditions.”
It is difficult for a single institution or organization to tackle the complex challenges of modern migration on its own. But when we combine the knowledge, experience, and commitment of various professional communities, we can build more effective, coordinated, and humane support for people on the move. This is precisely the purpose of such meetings—to create a space for dialogue, mutual learning, and partnership in support of vulnerable mobile citizens, migrants, and refugees.
During the expert workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn about both the project’s main objectives and activities, as well as current research and analyses related to migration and the labor market.
The event was opened by Ms. Anna Ilieva and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stoyanka Cherkezova, who presented the TRAM4DW project, its objectives, and upcoming activities. Participants were also introduced to the Sofia Hub’s first intern (Ms. Karina Shtepa), whose role is part of the project’s efforts to build sustainable capacity and support activities related to counseling and referral services for mobile workers and migrants.
In the first lecture, Assoc. Prof. Stoyanka Cherkezova, Ph.D., from the Institute for Population and Human Studies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, presented the topic “The New Map of Labor: Migration, Mobile Citizenship, and Sectoral Risks in Bulgaria.” She placed labor migration, mobile citizenship, and the situation of Ukrainian refugees in the context of the broader transformations reshaping labor markets in Bulgaria and Europe. In her presentation, Assoc. Cherkezova emphasized the impact of demographic changes and the deepening shortage of workers with the right skills, as well as the effects of digitalization, automation, and the green transition, which are restructuring professions and creating new challenges, including the risk of structural unemployment. Special attention was given to the need to ensure decent working conditions for migrant workers and refugees as an important prerequisite for sustainable economic and social development.
The second lecture was delivered by Ms. Silvia Desheva of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who presented the results of an exceptionally in-depth study on the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the European labor market, with a focus on the situation in Bulgaria. The analysis outlined the main economic and social barriers facing displaced persons, including language difficulties and the mismatch between their skills and employment opportunities. The data show that a significant proportion of Ukrainian refugees have high levels of education and professional experience but require targeted support in the areas of employment, social inclusion, and access to services. The demographic profiles and information on future residence intentions presented highlighted the need for investment in language training and ensuring access to healthcare. The regional analysis identified Burgas, Varna, and Sofia as the main centers for the accommodation of persons under temporary protection and provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the successful integration of refugees into the local economy.
At the end of the workshop, participants visited the TRAM4DW Sofia Hub, where they had the opportunity to learn more about its activities, ask questions, and discuss specific opportunities for collaboration and for referring people in need of counseling and support. The visit added a practical dimension to the topics discussed and contributed to a better understanding of the hub’s role as a place for information, counseling, and networking among various stakeholders.
It was a true pleasure for us to share this time with such committed and inspiring professionals who actively participated in the discussions. The event brought together representatives of non-governmental organizations, institutions, international organizations, researchers, and practitioners who discussed current issues related to the labor and social rights of mobile workers and migrants, labor market integration, European labor mobility, and the challenges facing migration processes.
We thank all participants for their active engagement, valuable ideas, and willingness to share their experiences. We believe that only through partnership and joint efforts can we build fairer and more sustainable mechanisms to support people on the move.
This is just the beginning of the conversation. We continue together.
