Bulgaria Supports EU Green Deal's Climate Neutrality Goal, Demands Adequate Support for Most Affected States, Regions

The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved Bulgaria's framework position on the Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Green Deal, the government's information service said.

Bulgaria supports the long-term goal of achieving EU-wide climate neutrality by 2050. At the same time, Bulgaria notes that safeguarding the Member States' competitiveness, economic growth, resource efficiency, technological neutrality and well-being must be the guiding factors in the process. The just transition should result in improved well-being and thus should actively engage the citizens and the regions most affected by the transition.

Regarding the sectors falling within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, Bulgaria holds that all energy-intensive sectors should continue to receive sufficient free allowances that take into account actual production. Bulgaria supports and relies on the EC's commitment for adequate support to the most affected Member States and regions, and insists on detailed impact assessments of all current and future measures, taking into account geographical location, starting positions and national specifics.

The Council of Ministers also approved Bulgaria's position on the EC's Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Just Transition Fund. Bulgaria points out the need of a coordinated approach, close collaboration and decisive action on the part of the EU for dealing with the challenges to the sustainable development of
its regions.

Meanwhile, Bulgarian Deputy Economy Minister Liliya Ivanova attended a regular meeting of the European Competitiveness Council in Brussels, the Economy Ministry said.

Addressing the participants, Ivanova said that the implementation of the new ambitious climate and environment policies, for which not all Member States are equally prepared, requires serious investments and reforms in the national economies. She stressed that key industrial sectors, including energy, metallurgy, machine building, the chemical and cement industries, should be supported by policies and measures so as not to lose their competitiveness and considerable number of jobs.

Source: BTA