site.btaMinister Manol Genov Attends Environment Council Meeting in Brussels

Bulgaria's Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov attended the Environment Council in Brussels on Thursday, his Ministry said.

Ministers exchanged views on the environmental dimension of the clean industrial deal - the new comprehensive roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonization. The participants concurred that the EU should position itself as an attractive manufacturing hub, promoting clean technologies and circular business models.

Bulgaria welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the urgent need for measures to strengthen both national and European competitiveness while maintaining environmental priorities. "Achieving a truly effective, inclusive and fair transition is only possible through balanced solutions addressing energy, economic and social challenges," said Genov. He highlighted financing as one of the biggest challenges, emphasizing that expanding financial mechanisms and ensuring their accessibility for all sectors and operators will accelerate the deployment of clean and innovative technologies.

He highlighted financing as one of the biggest challenges, emphasizing that expanding financial mechanisms and ensuring their accessibility for all sectors and operators will accelerate the deployment of clean and innovative technologies.

The meeting continued with a discussion on global environmental policies, during which Bulgaria praised highly the role of the UN Environment Programme and  backed the strengthening of multilateral cooperation. Expectations were expressed for the successful completion of international negotiations on a new legally binding agreement to tackle plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Recognizing that tackling environmental challenges requires the joint efforts of governments, businesses, the scientific community and civil society, Genov emphasized that "ambitious actions must ensure balanced environmental, social and economic benefits".

Ministers also discussed the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Genov stressed the need to explore support measures for the transition in sectors covered by CBAM and the EU Emissions Trading System, including maintaining free allowance allocation for as long as possible or at least ensuring a level playing field for fair competition between European and global producers.