site.btaJust Transition Fund Benefits for Bulgaria's Coal Regions Discussed in Pernik

Pernik Region can receive EUR 91.8 million from the EU Just Transition Fund as one of Bulgaria's three coal regions, along with Stara Zagora and Kyustendil, that are affected by the transition towards climate neutrality. This emerged here on Tuesday during a meeting involving Energy Ministry Rumen Radev, other representatives of his Ministry, the Regional Development Ministry, the Pernik Regional Administration, as well as the district heating company, mining companies, among others.

Radev said that Pernik and Kyustendil have been sidetracked by the focus on the Stara Zagora region. This has resulted in an overall delay of the process and lack of transparency and rudimentary dialogue with stakeholders, he argued. The Energy Minister said that connectivity with Sofia is an advantage of Pernik. On the other hand, the capital city is syphoning human resources away from the region. It would be particularly valuable to reverse this trend and meet local employment needs, Radev added.

It became clear at the meeting that the Pernik, Stara Zagora and Kyustendil territorial development plans will rely on development down the value added chain, from "green" hydrogen production to its industrial, transport and energy uses. "Apart from promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, the plans also take account of the key role of large enterprises for economic growth and sustainable employment. The Energy Ministry has therefore invited expressions of interest in the development of specific new clean production types. 

Pernik Mayor Stanislav Vladimirov said that the just transition poses an inevitable challenge to the Pernik, Stara Zagora and Kyustendil regions, where coal mining creates a large number of jobs.