site.btaEC Representation Head Outlines Three Aspects of Clean Energy Transition at Sofia Forum

The transition to green energy has three aspects and these are competitiveness, security and responsibility. Head of the EC Representation in Sofia, Yordanka Chobanova. said at the opening of the 16th edition of the "Green and Energy Forum", organized by the Manager magazine on Thursday.

Regarding the first aspect - competitiveness, Yordanka Chobanova said that the conversation about green energy for years is no longer only environmental, but also economic. The logic that guides the Commission in this process is that decarbonization must become an engine of growth, because without a viable economy the energy transition itself cannot take place, but also while ensuring fairness so that the process is in line with the social model that Europe prides itself on.

These are also the principles that underpin the Clean Industrial Deal, where reducing the cost of energy is one of the main objectives. The pact is expected to mobilize around EUR 100 billion.

Of the second aspect - security, the goal is to guarantee it, but without allowing an increase in the price of energy, Chobanova said.

"Armed confrontation is increasing, trade confrontation is increasing. Whether we are talking about a geopolitical winter or a cold spell, these are issues that are going to develop. But Bulgaria and Europe need to be prepared for the changes and be independent," is how Chobanova described the context where security of energy supply is paramount.

The lesson learned from Europe, she said, is that energy security is high when energy dependence is low. And this, she said, is what Europe is trying to achieve through accelerated deployment of indigenous renewable energy.

"We have made visible progress. Renewable energy sources (RES) make up about 47% of Europe's energy mix right now. In 2024 alone, there are 78 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable capacity installed, enough to meet the (energy) needs of a country like Bulgaria for three months," said Yordanka Chobanova.

In relation to the third aspect - responsibility, Yordanka Chobanova said that "for us in Europe the leading indicators are not so much macroeconomic indicators, but that the economy serves the society".

"We can ignore the climate problem for months, maybe years, but the problem will not only not be solved, but it will get worse and the price to be paid will be much higher for both the economy and the people", concluded the head of the European Commission Representation in Sofia.