The first millions of euros from the EU’s Just Transition Fund for Bulgaria’s most affected coal region, Stara Zagora, will soon be available, it was confirmed this week.
According to Stara Zagora’s mayor, Zhivko Todorov, the region has been expanded to include 10 neighbouring municipalities from three nearby provinces, bringing the total to 21 municipalities eligible for funding.
The first initiative, set to launch by the end of June, is the Energy Efficiency Programme, with 60 million euros allocated to the Stara Zagora region and adjacent municipalities.
The programme offers 100 per cent financing for energy renovations of buildings. A key bonus criterion is whether residents directly affected by the energy transition live in these buildings. Structures housing more than five per cent of workers from the mining and energy sector receive a maximum of 15 bonus points, while those with fewer than five per cent receive 10 points. Municipal and state institutions can also apply.
This programme aims to reduce energy consumption and combat energy poverty across Bulgaria’s coal regions. Other eligibility criteria for buildings remain unchanged, says the region’s governor, Iva Radeva.
A second programme focused on training and retraining workers in the coal sector will begin in the third quarter, with a 36.5 million euros budget dedicated to the thermal power plants and coal mines in Stara Zagora.
The aim is to maintain current employment levels as long as possible. The training, managed by trade unions and employers’ organisations, will allow workers to split their day between work and skills training.
New industrial zones and investment
Later this year, the region will see a 70 million euros investment for creating industrial parks and zones. Stara Zagora city plans to develop two industrial zones: Golesh, a long-term municipal project lacking infrastructure, and an area around the former Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant (ATZ), named Elenino.
The municipality’s mayor notes that with funding, up to five industrial zones could be built, including Zagore, which is nearly at capacity, offering new opportunities for investors.
Other municipalities, such as Galabovo and Radnevo, are planning a joint industrial zone, while Chirpan also intends to create its own, all aiming to benefit from the new funding.
This content was produced in collaboration with the municipality of Stara Zagora and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support.
