Bulgaria insists that the support for the transition of the coal regions should continue beyond 2030

Apostol Apostolov, 3eNews Benelux correspondent

It is extremely necessary to continue the support for the coal regions after 2030 and to simplify the regime for providing the funds. Including special conditions regarding the state aid regime. This was stated during the meeting of the EU in Brussels by the Deputy Minister of Energy Iva Petrova in the presence of the responsible European Commissioner Kadri Simson. With its position, our country joins the note presented by the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The Bulgarian Deputy Minister noted that the funds currently set aside in the Just Transition Fund are insufficient to mitigate the transition in a sustainable manner.

Iva Petrova was in a panel session together with her colleagues, including Germany, Italy and Luxembourg, who presented the achieved results and the priorities of their countries regarding the implementation of the national plans for RES and energy efficiency.

In front of them, European Commissioner Kadri Simson noted that it is extremely important now to build capacity at national level, to attract adequate private investments, to maintain a level playing field and to promote production and supply chains in the EU.

The final national energy and climate plans that member states will present next month will be a test of our ambitions. The European Commissioner is adamant that there should be no delays and compromises with the member states.

Member States should not slow down their diversification efforts and commit to further reducing Russian gas imports. ‚To achieve our ultimate goal of reducing energy imports from Russia to zero, we need to maintain close coordination, including at the political level. We need to agree a timetable and a clear roadmap to deal with the last remaining imports and ensure that all Member States are able to make the transition together."

It became clear from today's meeting that for the last 2 years, Europe has managed to reduce Russian gas imports from 45% in 2021 to 15% last year.

At the same time, new installed solar and wind capacities have been increased. They currently reach over 100 GW, or have saved households and businesses the purchase of 24 billion cubic meters of gas.