site.btaEconomy Minister: Green Technologies Should Be Engine for Growth for Business

Economy Minister Petar Dilov said that the success of the green transition depends on our ability to align environmental goals with economic perspectives and to support industry through the transformation process. He was addressing a panel discussion on "From Policy to Practice: Industrial Decarbonization and Clean Technologies – Challenges and Opportunities" on the fourth day of the five-day forum "Green Transition Forum 5.0: Competitiveness and Innovation in Central and Eastern European Countries", here on Thursday.

The event, now in its fifth edition, is organized by Green Transition Forum and Dir.bg, with BTA as the media partner.

Dilov said that his ministry is currently developing a national industrial strategy aimed at supporting modernization, the adoption of zero-emission technologies, digitalization, and energy efficiency. "This approach will help us preserve and expand production capacity, create new jobs, and foster the development of green technologies," the minister added.

He emphasized that the timing of this discussion is critical, as Bulgaria and the EU face both major challenges and real opportunities. The EU has set ambitious climate goals, including a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. While essential for climate protection, these targets will require deep industrial transformation, the minister noted.

Dilov welcomed the new EU Clean Industry Deal, which introduces the principle of technological neutrality. "This gives us the freedom to choose the most suitable solutions—whether renewable energy, nuclear power, or natural gas—based on our national resources and conditions," he explained.

He also highlighted Bulgaria’s significant industrial advantages, citing strong traditions in mechanical engineering, electronics, chemical and metallurgical industries, and automotive components. Most importantly, he said, Bulgaria's greatest asset remains its people—highly educated and skilled professionals who drive innovation and production forward.

To remain competitive in the global economy, Bulgaria must take further steps toward improving energy and resource efficiency, modernizing infrastructure, accelerating the adoption of new technologies, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

“These challenges require strategic planning, substantial investment, and close cooperation between the state and the business sector,” the Minister emphasized.

Against the backdrop of global raw material and energy crises and intensifying international competition, both European and Bulgarian industries are facing serious tests, Dilov noted. Access to raw materials, technologies, and energy is now critical for industrial sustainability and resilience.

He stressed the need to develop national capacities and to actively participate in European initiatives, especially those focused on securing critical raw materials. “We must position Bulgaria as a strategic hub for critical resources and technologies to ensure long-term industrial strength,” the Minister concluded.