An EU-backed Bulgarian scheme solves two problems at once: finding trusted childcare for working parents, and jobs for the unemployed.
Single mother Kristina Ruzhdanova spent three months searching for childcare before she found a solution through Bulgaria's Parents in Employment project. She signed a contract with childcarer Galina Ilieva, who looks after her son full time, while Kristina works as an accountant.
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Only 22% of Bulgarian under-threes are in early education and care, versus an EU average of 40%. The €33.5 million project, backed by €28 million from the European Social Fund Plus, offers eight hours of free daily childcare to eligible families. Vetted jobseekers are carefully matched with parents. Since 2023, the scheme has found childcare solutions for 3,400 families and hired 3,500 carers.
The scheme fits into the EU's wider social agenda, anchored by the European Pillar of Social Rights, which was renewed on 22 July 2026.