Bulgaria should involve civil society in 2030 energy, climate plan - EC

Bulgaria should include civil society in its national 2030 energy and climate plan, the European Commission's vice president Maros Sefcovic said on Thursday.

"[...] We recognise that without public support, without direct engagement with citizens across Europe, without their active involvement – our policies will never succeed. That is why I would like to call from here on the Bulgarian government to be as engaging as possible. And I call on you, NGOs to take this rare opportunity and make the most out of it," Sefcovic said during a visit to Sofia.

On Thursday, Sefcovic said he will encourage Bulgaria to carry out its energy and climate plan in a comprehensive and timely manner.

Achieving the EU's 2030 targets could lead to an increase of 1.2% in Bulgaria's gross domestic product (GDP), higher than the EU average, he commented.

Bulgaria has already reached its 2020 climate targets, the official noted, adding that there is still a tremendous potential for developing renewable energy sector in the country.

The 2020 package as well as 2030 framework both represent a set of binding legislation to ensure the EU meets its climate and energy targets for the year 2020. It includes three key targets - cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, increase in share of energy from renewables and improvement in energy efficiency.

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