site.btaBulgaria Backs Balanced Approach, Protection of Transport Competitiveness at EU Council Meeting

Bulgarian Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Peev presented his country's position at Monday's EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting in Luxembourg, Peev's Ministry said in a press release.

Deputy Minister Hristina Velinova also attended the Council meeting.

Bulgaria reaffirmed its consistent policy line favouring a realistic and socially just decarbonization which does not impose unnecessary administrative and financial burdens for business and individuals.

On the automotive package, Peev declared himself for a balanced approach to the new requirements for corporate vehicles. He emphasized that Bulgaria supports the green transition, but it should be implemented through economic incentives and exchange of good practices rather than through mandatory registration targets for a minimum share of zero-emission vehicles that would burden small and medium-sized enterprises. The Minister noted that the rules should reckon with the different degree of readiness of the recharging infrastructure in the different Member States. 

During the debate on decarbonization, an emphasis was laid on the significance of rail transport as an environment-friendly alternative. Bulgaria is already carrying out specific action for the modernization of this mode of transport by purchasing new electric-powered trains on funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Within the framework of the Council, Peev held bilateral meetings with his French and Croatian counterparts. With France's Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, the Bulgarian representative highlighted the need of proper cooperation between the road transport control authorities with strict observance of EU law and avoidance of imposing wrongful fines for traffic violations. The readiness for finding a durable solution to the issue was confirmed. With Croatia's State Secretary for Road Transport, Road Infrastructure and Inspection and Civil Aviation Tomislav Mihotic, Peev discussed the possibility of launching a direct air service between Sofia and Zagreb.