Bulgarian city pays people 1,000 euros for in vitro procedures

The subsidy will apply to single women, couples and families

Yesterday, the city of Vidin announced a raise in its in vitro subsidies. In the Bulgarian municipality, local authorities will help would-be families or single mothers with the medical procedure, offering up to 1,000 per candidate.

Considering that Vidin and its surrounding region are among the most economically depressed parts of Bulgaria and are undergoing a serious demographic decline, local authorities are trying their best to create a good environment for young parents.

The money is supposed to help people with examination and medical help for people with reproductive problems, authorities announced on Facebook. Applicants can submit documents for the subsidy in the Centre for Administrative Service with the municipality by 28 February.

The municipal in vitro programme was first launched in 2019 with the aim of stimulating population growth in the municipality. It is open to single women, families or couples. At first, authorities provided 500 euros, however, in January, they decided to double the subsidy.

Demographics of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is the EU's poorest Member State, however, it is also one of the countries with the fastest-shrinking population in the world. According to the National Statistics Institute, the population is declining by around 0.6% per year.

During the last census in 2011, the population was calculated to be 7.3 million, which in 2021 fell to around 6.5 million and is projected to continue its precipitous decline. At the same time, according to the Bulgarian Institute for Market Economy, Vidin is the most depressed region in Bulgaria, with few economic opportunities and job prospects.

This has led to a definite demographic decline and an ageing population, with data from the National Statistical Institute claiming that half of the region’s population is above 50. In fact, only around 14% of the population is below 20 years of age.