15.10.2021
Following his intervention in the conference “Green Transition – Solutions and Challenges for Bulgaria”, Prime Minister Stefan Yanev held a meeting with Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.
The discussion focused on pertinent issues in the context of the Green Transition, the prospects for the transition to materialize and the national challenges and opportunities arising therefrom. Emphasis was placed on the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) so as to finalize it and submit it to the European Commission. In connection with this, Prime Minister Yanev called for a fast-track follow-up consideration so as to proceed with the RRP implementation in good time, as expected by the Bulgarian citizens. He stressed that regardless of the specifics of the political situation in Bulgaria, the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan is extremely important for the people. To that effect, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Timmermans pledged that the examination and analysis of the national RRP would take into account the specific situation in Bulgaria as well as the challenges confronting the country.
In the course of the discussion Prime Minister Yanev subscribed to the view that solidarity should be an underlying principle within the EU while he stressed the need for flexibility so as to find the best right solutions. In this context Mr. Yanev cited as an example the complicated situation of Bulgaria to meet the Green Deal commitments and considering the functions that are thrust on this cabinet and that are not typical for a caretaker cabinet. As regards the forthcoming European Council meeting where EU leaders will discuss the drastic hike in energy prices and the measures to be taken to address them, the Prime Minister stated his expectations for flexible and tangible solutions.
Mr. Timmermans brought attention to the forthcoming UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) to take place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November 2021 where important issues pertaining to the transition and carbon emissions reduction would be brought up.
During the discussion Mr. Yanev paid attention to nuclear power seen as an important component in the energy mix and as a viable factor in building a low-carbon energy system along with the renewables. In this context the discussion touched on the role of natural gas as a transitional energy source and on the prospects for the use of hydrogen.
