site.btaParticipants in Energy Forum Call for Preserving Maritsa East Complex and Adopting Long-Term Energy Strategy

Representatives of local government, the energy sector and business voiced support for preserving the Maritsa East energy complex and called for a long-term national energy strategy during the first Energy Future of Bulgaria – Regional Perspectives and Sustainable Development forum, organized by the Balkan Media Association in Bulgaria on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, Stara Zagora Deputy Mayor Radostin Tanev said the municipality does not view decarbonization as a process that should lead to the closure of the Maritsa East complex, but rather as an opportunity to accelerate the region's industrial development.

He stressed that the local administration would "fight to the very end" against proposals calling for the rapid shutdown of the complex.

Earlier this week, the Council of Ministers tasked Energy Minister Iva Petrova with preparing measures related to the restructuring of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH). The reform envisages separating Mini Maritsa Iztok and TPP Maritsa East 2 from the holding structure. The decision was subsequently criticized by the Podkrepa Trade Union's Miners' Federation and the Federation of Independent Miners' Trade Unions affiliated with the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), which said they were prepared to take all legal actions available to them.

Tanev said the municipality is actively working to develop Stara Zagora as an industrial centre. According to municipal data, investments worth EUR 255 million were attracted in 2025, accompanied by agreements for the creation of 1,800 jobs. Over the past four years, total investment has exceeded EUR 800 million and more than 4,000 jobs have been created.

He noted that all plots in the Zagore Industrial Zone have been sold. Some enterprises are already operating, while others are under construction. Three companies are currently building facilities in the Zagore-Elenino Industrial Zone, while two additional projects have received construction permits and are expected to begin shortly. Several other projects are awaiting final certification as priority investments.

According to Tanev, the municipality seeks to attract investors engaged in high value-added production.

"Stara Zagora is not a place that will attract investors looking for low-skilled labour," he said, adding that the region has a highly qualified and well-educated workforce. The municipality is currently preparing a strategy aimed at attracting additional labour to the region.

Mini Maritsa Iztok Executive Director Todor Todorov also participated in the forum. He noted that the company will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year and highlighted its importance to Bulgaria's energy sector and economy.

While acknowledging the significance of the company's history, Todorov said employees are primarily concerned about the future.

"What matters to us is our future because we must continue to exist," he said.

According to him, changes will inevitably be required, but these should be guided by a clear energy strategy.

"We must base our assessment of tomorrow on facts, calculations and clear rules rather than speculation and people's fears. That is extremely important for us," Todorov said. He added that Mini Maritsa Iztok has demonstrated over the years that it can continue operating while preserving jobs and employment.

Brikel Executive Director Yanilin Pavlov also stressed the need for a national energy strategy.

"There must be a vision for Bulgaria's energy strategy and energy security. This cannot be achieved without the Maritsa East complex because without it there can be no stability in Bulgaria's energy system," Pavlov said.

The forum brought together representatives of central and local government, business, academia, trade unions and non-governmental organizations to discuss energy security, the energy transition, the future of coal regions, new technologies and opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Participants included Members of Parliament Daniel Parushev and Iskra Mihaylova, Stara Zagora Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Oleg Stoilov, representatives of local authorities, trade unions and energy-sector experts.