Demonstration of Greenpeace Bulgaria in Downtown Sofia Calls on State to Deal with Energy Poverty

Dimitrina Solakova, Borislava Bibinovska

Demonstration by Greenpeace with a wood stove in front of the Council of Ministers; the posters read "The State is burning money: for how long?" and "Way out of energy poverty: now!", Sofia, July 1, 2025 (BTA Photo/Minko Chernev)

Sofia,

01.07.2025 10:12

(BTA)

Activists from Greenpeace Bulgaria lit a wood stove in front of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, calling on the State to find a solution to energy poverty by easing the procedure for installing solar panels on balconies. The initiative is in connection with the new electricity and heat prices that come into force July 1. Applications for winter energy assistance are also due, Greenpeace Bulgaria said.

Desislava Mikova, an expert on climate and energy, said that Bulgaria ranks first in the share of energy poor among all countries in the European Union. In her words, giving wood subsidies to the energy poor exacerbates the problem. She also said that the funds given are unjustified. These subsidies continue the vicious cycle of energy poverty, Mikova argued.

The balcony photovoltaic system reduces household bills by up to 30%, and it can produce electricity all year round, the expert added. Mikova explained that this is important because energy poverty is not only a problem in winter, but also in summer, as many households in the country fail to cool their homes. It is time for a long-term solution, Mikova also said.

Greenpeace Bulgaria has demands that it will make to the institutions. According to Mikova, it should be acknowledged that there is a problem.

/DS/