site.btaTwo Energy Ministry Bills to Ensure Smooth Green Transition of Coal Regions

The Ministry of Energy proposes the creation of a single state-owned company by a special bill to rehabilitate and strengthen land disturbed by mining activities in coal mining regions. The company would be financed under the Coal Regions in Transition investment from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, EU and international programmes and funds, the state budget, and others.

In another bill, the Ministry of Energy proposes that workers in the mining and energy sectors who are approaching retirement age be entitled to paid leave for up to five years. During this period, they are to receive 80% of their gross salary and 100% of their social security contributions.

"The two bills - for green transition of coal regions and for the so-called early retirement of employees in the sector - reflect our vision for the support that the coal power sector in the country should receive. They will ensure social peace of mind for those employed in the sector and, at the same time, good employment and a smooth transition for the affected regions," caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov said during a joint meeting of the branch councils for tripartite cooperation on energy, coal, energy resources and mining on Monday.

Working groups with representatives of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), the "Podkrepa" confederation of labour, the Ministry of Energy, and state companies started active discussions on the two bills.

Malinov noted that in the current regulatory period the country's electricity mix cannot be achieved without the participation of thermal power plants. Therefore, the Ministry of Energy is considering options to support these capacities, which should comply with state aid rules.