Active discussions about the future of coal mining continued with a meeting in Radnevo

By working together, we can make the transition as smooth and painless as possible for those affected. The participants in a discussion dedicated to the future of the "Maritsa-East" energy complex, which was held at the initiative of "Mini Maritsa-East" EAD in Radnevo, united around this opinion. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Energy Rumen Radev, Deputy Minister Krasimir Nenov, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Angelina Boneva, Regional Governor of Stara Zagora Iva Radeva, trade unionists, representatives of non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, companies from the region and others interested parties.

"These are not meetings against which there is just a piece of paper. It makes sense to have a real conversation about looking for alternatives and attracting investors. The meaningful conversation is to look for solutions that satisfy the largest possible circle of people." This is what the Minister of Energy Rumen Radev said to the participants in the discussion. According to him, the dialogue should be conducted in such a way that we have sustainable production on a large scale and employment of people.

According to the executive director of "Mini Maritsa-East", Eng. Ilza Chinkova, one of the main problems in the region is the need for better communication about the upcoming events related to the energy transformation and the prospects for the complex. The discussion in Radnevo is a response to this need.

The main interest of the participants was focused on the future of those employed in the complex and guaranteeing their decent incomes. The prospects for a gradual reduction in coal production are worrying.

About 1.15 billion euros have been earmarked by the Just Transition Fund for the three coal regions, but these funds are not comparable to the necessary investments for reclamation and a new economic image. Deputy Minister Nenov emphasizes that the necessary investments must be found, because it is about the environment, people's health and the future of our children, with which compromise is unacceptable.

The preparation of an integrated plan for investments in the Maritsa-East complex, which takes into account all the advantages of the region - qualified personnel, traditions in industrial production, infrastructure, strategic location and others - is one of the main tasks in the work of the team of Ministry of Energy, it became clear during the discussion. Investors are looking for infrastructure that will allow them to quickly expand their production, and in this sense, the potential of the region should be fully utilized, it was stated at the meeting.

Regarding the talks with the European Commission on renegotiation of the country's commitments contained in the Recovery and Sustainability Plan, Deputy Minister Nenov announced that these discussions are related to increasing the ambition related to low-emission capacities to be put into operation in the foreseeable future.