W&S sector, energy efficiency and road infrastructure discussed by Deputy Prime Minister Karadzhov and EIB President Werner Hoyer

Deputy Prime Minister Grozdan Karadzhov discussed the opportunities for cooperation in the W&S sector, energy efficiency and infrastructure projects at a working meeting with the bank’s President Werner Hoyer and his team.

In the W&S sector, we can rely on expert support from the bank, and one of its key priorities is financing energy efficiency projects.

The financial institution expressed its willingness to continue supporting the FLAG Fund with funds directed to all municipalities in the country, municipal and state-owned companies, with priority given to projects that contribute to the green transition.

We also expect partnership on the Just Transition mechanism. It provides targeted support to mobilise financial resources for the period 2021-2027 in the most affected regions to mitigate and overcome the negative and socio-economic impacts of the transition to a neutral economy.

EIB-supported investments can be in energy and transport infrastructure, district heating networks, energy efficiency measures.

Deputy Prime Minister Karadzhov briefed Werner Hoyer on the programme of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works for the construction of strategic road infrastructure. These include the Vidin - Botevgrad expressway, the Ruse - Veliko Tarnovo motorway and the Struma via Kresna Gorge. EIB President Hoyer raised the issue of building new bridges on the Danube. Minister Karadzhov explained that according to an agreement between Bulgaria and Romania from 2019, five locations have been fixed from which to choose where the third bridge on the Danube should be. The government has already intensified work on this agreement.