Via Pontica Foundation takes part in a trilateral meeting of the Economic and Social Councils of Bulgaria, Spain and Portugal
On 28 and 29 May 2026 Sofia hosted a trilateral meeting of the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Economic and Social Council of Spain and the Economic and Social Council of Portugal. The forum brought together representatives of institutions, employers’ organisations, trade unions and the civic sector from the three countries to discuss key issues concerning the labour market, young people, competitiveness, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Ina Agafonova, member of the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria from Group 3, civil society organisations, and representative of the Via Pontica Foundation, took part in the meeting. Her contribution came in the second discussion panel, devoted to policies for economic growth, entrepreneurship and targeted measures for young people.
The forum examined the role and contribution of economic and social councils in shaping policies for socio-economic development, employment, support for young people and the encouragement of entrepreneurship. Participants shared experience and positions on the challenges facing the labour market, the need for a better link between education and the economy, and the importance of dialogue between institutions and the representatives of different social groups.
As a representative of civil society organisations on the Economic and Social Council, Ina Agafonova stressed the importance of the non-governmental sector taking an active part in debating and formulating policies with long-term social impact. The themes of young people, entrepreneurship and sustainable development relate directly to the mission of the Via Pontica Foundation: to promote responsible decisions, cross-sectoral cooperation and commitment to the future of both society and nature.
The trilateral meeting created an opportunity to exchange good practice between Bulgaria, Spain and Portugal and to deepen cooperation on matters of common European interest. Formats of this kind play an important part in building more effective social and civic dialogue, offering space to reconcile differing viewpoints and to seek sustainable solutions.
The participation of the Via Pontica Foundation in this forum confirms the importance of the civic sector as an active partner in public debate, policy development and the promotion of sustainable models of cooperation.
