site.btaEnvironment Minister Attends EU Environment Council in Brussels

Caretaker Environment Minister Yulian Popov is in Brussels to participate in an EU Environment Council meeting, where ministers discussed a proposal to amend the regulation on carbon emission standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, the Environment Ministry said.

Bulgaria supported an ambitious but flexible framework that promotes electrification, innovation, and technological neutrality, takes into account the role of alternative fuels, and ensures an economically sustainable transition and EU competitiveness.

EU environment ministers exchanged views on the post-2030 decarbonization framework in the context of the target to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Yulian Popov stressed that global competition is determined by the pace of electrification and the development of decarbonization technologies, noting that the EU lags behind China (32% share of electricity in final consumption compared to 22–23% in the EU and 27% in Bulgaria).

Minister Popov stressed the need to overcome market fragmentation and to adopt a stronger investment focus. He highlighted the role of the carbon market as a driver of competitiveness. Popov also stressed the importance of the European Emissions Trading System as a key source of revenue, which should be used more efficiently and purposefully, including through the EU Emissions Trading System Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Social Climate Fund.

During the meeting, the strengthening of investments in research and development was also discussed, with priority given to batteries, electricity transmission networks, renewable energy sources, and electrification, as well as better accounting for the role of carbon sinks.

Earlier, Minister Popov held talks with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera, who is responsible for a clean, fair, and competitive transition. They discussed key issues on the European agenda, including the decarbonization of the economy as a factor for strategic autonomy, increasing competitiveness, and ensuring a socially fair transition. Focus was also placed on the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the new Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS2), which covers the building sector and transport.