13 Mar 2026
Representatives of the Municipality of Stara Zagora took part in an international working meeting under the Network4Work project, which brings together cities from seven European countries to find solutions to labour market challenges. The Hungarian city of Nyíregyháza is the lead partner, and the project runs from November 2025 to April 2028 with funding under the European Union’s URBACT programme.
Staff from the Department of Investments, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition attended the meeting, presenting the main challenges facing the local labour market and exchanging insights into possible solutions through cooperation between institutions, businesses and educational organisations. A key highlight of the programme was the presentation of Nyíregyháza’s good practice, the Local Employment Forum. Established in 2017, the forum brings together nearly 40 organisations, including the local authority, state institutions, employers, trade unions, educational institutions and civil society organisations.
Participants learned how this model strengthens coordination between stakeholders and helps address issues such as skilled labour shortages and the retention of young people in the region. The event included thematic discussions and working group sessions dedicated to adapting this good practice to the circumstances of the partner cities.
Representatives discussed shared challenges, including the migration of young professionals, the need to better align workforce skills with business needs, and the development of new economic sectors. Participants also visited LEGO’s manufacturing facility in Nyíregyháza, one of the region’s largest employers, where they learned about good examples of employee-focused policies and skilled workforce development. The main objective of Network4Work is to improve local employment policies by applying a proven cooperation model that connects local stakeholders more effectively and supports the development of sustainable labour market solutions.
As part of the initiative, the Municipality of Stara Zagora will establish an URBACT Local Group, bringing together representatives of institutions, businesses, educational organisations and civil society. Through working meetings, analysis of the local labour market and exchanges of experience, a Transfer Plan will be developed to support the local implementation of the good practice.
During the meeting, the representatives of the Municipality of Stara Zagora highlighted the main challenges facing the city and the region. These include shortages of workers with lower skill levels to meet operational needs in manufacturing, services and agriculture, the risk of job losses, and the challenge of retaining young people. These issues were identified as key considerations in planning sustainable labour market solutions and strengthening cooperation between institutions, businesses and educational organisations.
The event also provided an opportunity to present the Municipality of Stara Zagora’s main initiatives supporting labour market and business development. B2B meetings between local businesses and the municipality were highlighted as a local good practice that enables direct dialogue and cooperation. Other initiatives presented included the WorkIn Stara Zagora career forum, which connects jobseekers with local businesses and supports their career development, and Manufacturing Week, which introduces school students to local enterprises and career opportunities.
The delegation also presented the main stakeholders involved in labour market development in Stara Zagora. These include the Municipality of Stara Zagora, the Labour Office Directorate, local employers and business organisations, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Trakia University, non-governmental organisations and civil society representatives, as well as institutions working in education, social policy and economic development.
“We would like to offer young people more opportunities not only to work in Stara Zagora, but also to live here. This is why our participation in European initiatives like this is important. By exchanging experience, we can find sustainable solutions for the development of the local labour market,” said Rositsa Raykova, Head of the Department of Investments, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition, in an interview during the visit to Nyíregyháza.
