Deputy Minister Ivanova: The Just Transition Fund will invest 1.3 billion euros in Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil

The Just Transition Fund will invest 1.3 billion euros in the three eligible regions -Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil. A separate priority will be included in the Regional Development Programme with funding from this fund. It will support measures and investments under the approved territorial plans for a fair transition of the eligible regions.

This was explained by Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Delyana Ivanova. She took part in the seminar “Challenges and opportunities for the Stara Zagora Region arising from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan”. Participants included the Regional Governor Professor Nasko Vasilev, Deputy Minister of Energy Iva Petrova, Radoslav Rybarski, Chairperson of the Energy Committee, MPs from the Stara Zagora region, deputy regional governors, representatives of municipalities, business and scientific organizations, etc.

The Stara Zagora region has the potential to attract investment in high-tech and new industries, as well as to become a research hub for the decarbonisation process, Ivanova said. She also presented the progress on the development of territorial plans for a fair transition. As one of the affected regions, Stara Zagora Oblast is also expected to receive the most resources from the Just Transition Fund.

Activities will be funded to address the economic, social and environmental consequences of the transition to climate neutrality. Measures will focus on SMEs, micro-enterprises and start-ups leading to economic diversification. The modernisation of existing firms and the creation of new firms will be supported, including through business incubators and advisory services leading to job creation.

The Deputy Regional Minister also presented the residential energy renovation project, which will be funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. “Nearly BGN 1.4 billion will be invested in energy efficiency measures for multi-family residential buildings. Unlike the previous programme, there are now higher energy requirements - the housing must achieve energy class ‘B’ and save at least 30% of energy,” the deputy minister explained. The funding is projected to refurbish multi-family dwellings with a floor area in excess of 3.6 million sq m. All owners’ associations will have to prepare a technical passport and an energy audit of the buildings at their own expense.

Ivanova added that two key reforms are being made to facilitate people. The first is the establishment of one-stop shops in the country. These will facilitate the implementation of projects from start to finish. The other aims to resolve obstacles in energy efficiency investments in multi-family residential buildings by facilitating decision-making by owners of individual units and regulating professional management of condominiums.