The European Green Pact and the Recovery and Sustainability Plan are a chance for Bulgaria and for accelerated development with care for people, business and nature. This is what Ivelina Vasileva, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Water, said at an international forum dedicated to the EU Recovery and Sustainability Mechanism and Bulgaria’s Transition, organized by The Economist.

Decisive action is needed not only for dealing with the COVID crisis, but also to manage the challenges related to environmental protection and climate change, Ivelina Vasileva said. She noted that the Recovery and Sustainability Plan provides not just recovery from the pandemic, but the achievement of an innovative, sustainable and digital economy based on the green transition, which is targeted by nearly 47% of the funds.

The Green Bulgaria pillar of the Plan includes key reforms related to energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprint and energy intensity, promoting clean energy production and developing the potential of the hydrogen economy. Investments are foreseen to improve irrigation systems and better water management, as well as to update the strategic framework for biodiversity.

Infrastructure is planned to transport hydrogen and gaseous fuels to the thermal power stations in the Maritsa basin, which will lead to a reduction and subsequent elimination of emissions from the production of electricity from coal. Ivelina Vasileva pointed out measures aimed directly at people – for free financing of 50% of households without access to gas or central heating for the purchase of highly efficient heat pumps, solar hot water supply systems or photovoltaic systems. The renovation of not only multi-family but also single-family residential buildings will also be supported.

It is important that the National Plan is not considered in isolation, but in combination with the other actions and financial instruments to which it is a valuable addition, Ivelina Vasileva emphasized. She outlined as additional advantages the accelerated deadlines within which the opinions of civil and professional organizations will be implemented and taken into account