Minister Radev: The needs of the coal regions must be clearly positioned in order to make the right decisions

Coal regions have different problems and different specificities of employment; therefore, their needs must be clearly positioned in order to be properly targeted for solution. This was said by the Minister of Energy Rumen Radev during the discussion of the territorial plan for a just transition of the Pernik region.

The discussion took place in the mining town with the participation of the mayor of the municipality, Stanislav Vladimirov, deputy. - Ministers of Energy Krasimir Nenov and Iva Petrova, deputy. - Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Angelina Boneva, Deputy. regional governor Ilinka Nikiforova, representatives of trade unions, eco and employer organizations, the local government and other interested parties.

The forum launched the joint information campaign of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova to clarify the updated territorial plans for a just transition of the Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil regions. The plans outline the vision for a smooth transition of the three coal regions in the country and are a key condition for the regions to benefit from 1.15 billion euros to support their transformation towards sustainable low-carbon production.

The meetings in places are focused on the possibilities of support under the "Development of the Regions 2021 - 2027" program and the Just Transition Fund.

We are not starting from scratch, but the fear of taking action has so far led to serious delays, lack of dialogue and openness and deepening of the problems, said Minister Radev. He emphasizes the need to involve those affected by these processes in the conversations in order to achieve the most correct solutions. What is proposed in the plans is far from final and therefore we must comment on them together, it is important to be active in order to discuss different alternatives, the energy minister also pointed out. According to him, it is necessary to create production with maximum added value along the chain for products with maximum price and decent remuneration.

According to Minister Radev, the question is not whether 500 or 10,000 will be affected by the transformation. Even if it is one, the transition should be really fair.

One of the problem cases that pertain to Pernik is the work of the local "Heating" and the company's transition to another fuel base. Natural gas is a sensible direction as an intermediate fuel, but working with a good plant operator is also essential.

Undoubtedly, the advantage of the Pernik region is its connection with Sofia, which draws human resources from the region. It would be especially valuable to reverse the trend and respond to employment needs here.

According to preliminary estimates, BGN 180 million is planned as a subsidized part of the transition for the Pernik region, but the attraction of private capital in this process is extremely important.

Through the state enterprise for the conversion of coal regions, higher employment will be achieved, it became clear already during the discussion. The enterprise will be engaged in the reclamation of the mining grounds so that they become suitable for other economic activities.

The information campaign of the ME and MRRD will continue with meetings in Kyustendil and Stara Zagora.