site.btaRoundtable Discussions with Industry Representatives Take Place in Old Parliament Building

A roundtable titled European zero emission regulations. Transforming Bulgaria's challenges into a path for successful development took place in the National Assembly’s historical building on Friday. During the event it transpired that industry representatives want more clarity on the sector’s future in relation to the Green Deal.

An Industry Strategy of Bulgaria should be created, so that the industry can be aware of what is about to happen in the years ahead, Bulgarian Industrial Association President Dobri Mitrev said. According to him, a 2050 plan should be devised, so that there is no dependency on the next government. Mitrev said that such a plan would provide clarity on where Bulgaria stands. He suggested to have a national body established and tasked with mapping the locations of Bulgaria’s raw material mines. The body would also have to look into materials processing capabilities and to figure out what workforce will be needed.

Ivan Dobrev, a member of the 2000 KCM Holding Board of Directors, said that Bulgarian industry has its place in the Green Deal, which calls for responsible business conduct. He pointed out that long value chains need to be created to increase European industry competitiveness and create new jobs.

Bulgarian Association of the Metallurgical Industry Management Board Chair Nikola Rangelov said that there is a need for transition which would not be a burden to the industry but a benefit. He added that the metallurgical sector accounts for 15% of Bulgaria's annual GDP. The sector's output accounts for 12 to 14% of exports.

Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association Board of Directors Chair Vasil Velev pointed out that the prices of the largest European gas hub are three times higher than their US equivalents. “These prices are uncompetitive due to the messed up EU electricity market,” he stated. Velev said that carbon dioxide quotas further raise the prices, adding that Europe is responsible for 7% of carbon emissions while Bulgaria's share is much lower. At the same time, fast-growing economies such as China and India are increasing their emissions, and there is no limit set for them—a problem that, according to Velev, cannot be solved yet.

Bulgarian Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers Executive Director Ivaylo Naydenov commented on the Energy Minister’s absence, adding that the topic under discussion requires the participation of his Ministry. Naydenov highlighted the importance of energy prices. “It is good to reduce carbon emissions, but I guarantee that it will not happen with renewable energy alone,” he said.

Innovation and Growth Deputy Minister Georgi Angelov also attended the round table.