Bulgaria has reached an agreement with the European Commission on key energy-sector reforms, creating the conditions for the continued operation of the Maritsa East mining complex and the Maritsa East 2 thermal power plant until 2038, Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced.
According to the Prime Minister, the agreement provides greater certainty for workers employed in the coal industry while giving affected regions additional time to manage economic transition efforts and carry out land reclamation projects. The arrangement is expected to support employment stability as Bulgaria gradually adapts its energy sector to evolving European climate and energy policies.
PM Radev also stated that Bulgaria remains well positioned to utilize a significant share of the funding available through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, provided that implementation efforts continue at full speed during the coming months. He emphasized that maintaining momentum on reforms and investments will be essential for securing the available European resources.
Special attention is being directed toward Bulgaria’s coal-dependent regions. According to Radev, the European Commission is ready to release financing under the Just Transition Mechanism, although additional progress is required on the Bulgarian side. To accelerate preparations, the mayors of Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil will participate in upcoming discussions focused on industrial development, investment attraction and job creation initiatives.
Another important development concerns the long-delayed Yadenitsa Dam project. The Prime Minister said that Brussels is expected to approve the project’s environmental assessment, allowing construction activities to move forward with substantial European financial support. The project is expected to strengthen Bulgaria’s energy infrastructure and improve system flexibility.
In addition, Bulgaria, Greece and Romania are preparing joint proposals for cross-border infrastructure and connectivity projects. Discussions on these initiatives are expected to continue during an upcoming visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, while further coordination with Romania will proceed once a new government is established there. The planned cooperation aims to enhance regional energy integration, transportation links and long-term economic development across Southeast Europe.
