site.btaRegional Development Ministry Pushes for Affordable, Sustainable Housing by 2050

The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) is working intensively to launch the second phase of the National Programme for Energy Efficiency of Multi-Family Residential Buildings by the end of the year, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Ivanov said during the conference “Affordable Housing: In Search of the Best Solutions in Europe”, held in Sofia on Friday.

The forum was organized by MEP Elena Yoncheva and brought together representatives of the legislative branch, mayors, and members of the construction industry.

According to Minister Ivanov, 1,038 residential buildings in Bulgaria are expected to be renovated under the national Recovery and Resilience Plan, with a budget of BGN 1.134 billion. In addition, another 129 multi-family residential buildings will be upgraded in the coal regions of Pernik, Kyustendil, and Stara Zagora using nearly BGN 200 million in grant funding from the Just Transition Fund, under the Regional Development Programme 2021–2027.

Ivanov highlighted that during the campaign under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, applications were submitted by nearly 3,100 residential blocks across the country. In his words, this reflects the fact that society—not just direct beneficiaries—has felt the positive impact of this policy and the implementation of the National Programme for Energy Efficiency of Multi-Family Residential Buildings.

During the first phase of the programme, nearly 2,000 residential blocks were renovated using funds from the national budget. Ivanov added that efforts are underway to ensure the second phase of the programme begins by year’s end.

He also recalled that the State Budget Act earmarks BGN 2.5 billion to be used by the end of the government’s term for energy-efficient building renovations under the second phase of the programme. It will once again be implemented in partnership with the Bulgarian Development Bank. Minister Ivanov noted that citizens will be able to renovate their homes entirely free of charge, with no requirement for co-financing.

He further stated that a new funding programme is being prepared under the Social Climate Fund. In addition, the MRDPW is working on the adoption of a National Housing Strategy with a horizon to 2050.