On 31st January 2023, Naso’s team hosted a transnational partnership meeting of the CO-RESP project which took place in Varna, Bulgaria.
Part of the discussion was a comparison of “sustainability through social procurement” between all participating European countries – Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany and Spain.
Discussed were next steps of the implementation of the project and the increase of publicity on the subject, as well as:
1. Communication strategy – prepared and presented by NASO experts
2. Administrative issues related to the successful management of the CO-RESP project and timeline
3. Methodology and exchange of good practices in the EU
4. Work package 2 – Studies and analyses;
5. Open discussion regarding the comments of Art. 27 of the UN Convention on Persons with Disabilities and its effect on the labor market and the European Care Strategy
Each country presented details of its current labor market, social economy and politics. Statistics, trends, regulatory framework and proposals for future initiatives that could potentially contribute to improving the model on national level and implementing good practices from abroad were outlined.
In addition, the CO-RESP partners had the opportunity to visit a local enterprise offering sheltered employment – Akademika VUM.
Social workers and managers presented the organization, spoke about the challenges facing the development of the model and ensuring adequate funding to achieve long-term sustainability.
Some of the employees, people with intellectual disabilities,presented their point of view and impressions of being employed in the restaurant.
