Deputy Minister Yura Vitanova: In 2026, we foresee over BGN 1 billion for the development of the coal regions of Bulgaria

Business, retraining of personnel, recultivation of mining sites and new energy capacities are among the main highlights in the program

Bulgaria is currently investing over BGN 1.6 billion in the development of coal regions under the 2021-2027 Development of Regions Programme (RDP) alone. Projects worth BGN 200 million are already being implemented in the settlements affected by the energy transition, and the beneficiaries are expected to have access to a resource of more than BGN 1 billion next year. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and Head of the Managing Authority of the Programme Yura Vitanova, who participated in a workshop-discussion on Integrated Approaches for Just Transition organised by the World Bank as a partner of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works for analytical services for integrated development. Deputy Minister Vitanova presented the main highlights of the Bulgarian Just Transition Plan, which currently includes seven procedures aimed at local authorities, business, civil and non-governmental organizations.

The evaluation of the projects for diversification of small and medium-sized enterprises in the districts of Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora and 10 other municipalities related to coal extraction and energy production from them will be finalised. The interest is huge – with a resource of BGN 250 million available, nearly 2000 projects worth a total of BGN 930 million have been submitted. Projects for the construction of industrial parks are also under review. With funding of BGN 149 million, projects amounting to BGN 455 million were received.

BGN 110 million have been allocated to support the workers in the affected sectors through trainings for qualification and retraining, and 56 contracts have been signed so far and 24 more projects are under evaluation. ‘At the end of this month, the application procedure for the modernisation of large enterprises in the region of Stara Zagora is closed. Big business will receive more than BGN 462 million,” the Deputy Minister informed. BGN 405 million are also provided for the transformation of mining sites. "By the end of 2025, we will announce two more procedures to support photovoltaic systems for SMEs and energy efficiency in public buildings and pilot initiatives to create energy communities", added Vitanova.

Two new procedures worth BGN 263 million have also been approved. They are for the development of hydrogen technologies in Stara Zagora, and BGN 85 million will support the establishment of a Research and Development Centre for defence technologies and dual-use solutions.

"In 2026, based on the results of the mapping of indirectly affected workers, we will prepare and announce a procedure for the upskilling of affected citizens based on the needs identified by the survey," Vitanova further said.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the forum provides an opportunity for central and local authorities, businesses and stakeholders to get acquainted with good strategic projects from all over the world. They must have the highest added value for the specific territory, create new opportunities for people and at the same time have a significant positive effect on sustainable economic development. "The discussion is taking place at a key moment in the implementation of the 2021-2027 Development Programme for the Regions. We are working intensively and in a coordinated manner to manage to direct all available resources from the Just Transition Fund to the coal regions of the country, thereby ensuring the achievement of the set goals," said Deputy Minister Vitanova.

The seminar presented successful projects from Spain, Germany, Greece and Poland, which are also working on large-scale and ambitious just transition programmes in coal regions. All four countries have developed coal mining and electricity production from them. They are currently implementing measures related to strong social support for workers, economic development of affected settlements, education, investments in renewable energy sources, entrepreneurship, etc. Special emphasis was also placed on the reclamation of mine-affected land, buildings and facilities.