Bulgaria’s Agency for Sustainable Energy Development highlights that the country has the highest level of energy poverty in the European Union, affecting as much as 30 percent of the population. This makes the development of a Social Climate Plan crucial, as it will serve as the basis for Bulgaria’s approval of significant financial support from the Social Climate Fund.
Under the plan, Bulgaria is expected to receive nearly 2.5 billion euros from the Fund for the period between 2026 and 2032, with the funds directed toward the most vulnerable households and micro-enterprises. However, if Bulgaria fails to submit its Social Climate Plan on time, it risks losing the allocated funds.
Twelve organizations engaged in environmental protection and the social sector, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), have joined forces to provide their recommendations to the relevant institutions and accelerate the adoption of the Social Climate Plan, which must be submitted to the European Commission by the end of June 2025.
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The coordinating body responsible for preparing the plan experienced delays in commencing its work and was abolished just a week ago. Another major issue is the absence of a designated institution to oversee the process, as well as a lack of clear regulations, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
Experts emphasize the need to strengthen the capacity of local authorities, social and economic partners, and non-governmental organizations so that they can actively participate in the preparation and implementation of the plan.
As stated on the WWF website, it is essential to simplify the application process for funding and reduce administrative barriers.
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