The 2030 targets of the European Green Deal are too ambitious for Bulgaria and may be restrictive for Bulgaria’s industry and labor market, said the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria (ESC) and the transition to low carbon economy needs to be smoother and just in an economic and social aspect.
ESC emphasized the indisputable need of measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions and held a discussion and consultations with Commissioner Mariya Gabriel before adopting its position. The European Commission is guided by the principle that political ambition must not be at the expense of social justice, Mariya Gabriel had underlined at the meeting.
In February, the Council of Ministers approved Bulgaria’s framework position on the Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament and the European Council on the European Green Deal. 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.
