Limitations in the provision of social security was among the main priorities of the Labour and Social Policy Ministry, Minister Emilia Maslarova said.

Clear criteria were needed to determine who was eligible for social aid, Malsarova said.

Once such changes were introduced, more unemployed people would be motivated to seek a new job, said Maslarova. Additional stimuli would be provided for further qualification and professional training, said she.

The Labour and Social Policy Ministry utilised nine million euro from the PHARE programme for 2005, Darik Radio reported.

By the end of 2006 projects applying for the programme should receive 40 million euro, Maslarova said.

Starting January 1, the social fund for operative programmes for the development of human resources in Bulgaria would utilise 1.2 billion euro. Most financial resources would come from European programmes and from the budget of the Labour Ministry.