What is the current state of the just transition processes in Bulgaria?

The Maritsa Iztok power plant in Galabovo, Bulgaria. Photo: CEE Bankwatch Network

Briefing    |    30 January 2023

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As of January 2023, Bulgaria remains the only country that has not yet formally submitted its Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTP) to the European Commission. The draft TJTPs, which focus on the three coal regions in the country – Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil, were sent for comments to the European Commission in autumn 2022. Yet because they have not been approved, Bulgaria has lost its just transition funding for 2022.

This briefing summarises just transition planning in Bulgaria thus far, reviewing the TJTPs’ compatibility with EU requirements and the overall process’s alignment with the partnership principle. It provides recommendations for improving just transition in the upcoming period.