Investment Plan for Europe in Bulgaria: supporting students to invest into digital skills

The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Telerik Academy have signed a guarantee agreement covering a portfolio of tuition fee deferrals of up to €2.5 million to help students finance their IT skills training. The guarantee is backed by the Commission European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) Skills & Education Guarantee Pilot, a debt financing initiative launched in 2020 for stimulating investments in education, training and skills. This agreement will benefit students from across Bulgaria who can also join courses online. In addition to digital skills training, Telerik Academy offers career soft skills training, coaching and mentoring to support students both during their studies and after graduation, and ensure a successful start to their career. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “Digital technology and IT skills are no longer optional in our societies, instead they have become essential. The COVID-19 crisis has both accelerated the digital transformation and highlighted a need for deeper cooperation across sectors and industries. I am therefore delighted to announce the first agreement under the EFSI Skills & Education Guarantee Pilot in Bulgaria, which will support students throughout Bulgaria in their education and career development. This important initiative will contribute to turning our vision for Europe’s recovery and digital and green transitions into reality.” The Investment Plan for Europe has so far mobilised €546.5 billion of investment across the EU, including €4.6 billion in Bulgaria. The press release is available here.