The Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov discussed with the Ambassador of the French Republic to Bulgaria H.E. Marie Dumoulin current topics on environmental protection.

One of the important topics raised for discussion by the French side was the import of batteries and solar panels. Minister Popov shared the view that this is a common European issue. He explained that the possibility of reducing fees for companies operating in this sector is being considered, and discussions on the topic are currently ongoing with various industry organizations while there are different opinions on the issue. No decision has been made yet, but the Minister expressed his position on finding a workable solution on this issue.

Ambassador Marie Dumoulin stated that she has the ambition to work with our country on projects in various areas that are part of the agenda of European policy. One of these areas is energy - nuclear, solar, and hydroelectric energy. She also emphasized that the French side is strongly committed to the topic of protecting the seas and oceans and preserving marine biodiversity. Ambassador Dumoulin raised the issue of two important initiatives for France related to the oceans - the Agreement to the Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and the intergovernmental ocean monitoring center "Mercator".

In response, Minister Julian Popov confirmed the country's ambition for the early ratification of the BBNJ Agreement. He explained that the package of documents has been prepared and is expected to be considered by the Council of Ministers. The Minister said that the Ministry of Environment and Water has a partnership role with the leading institution under "Mercator" - the Ministry of Education and Science, and confirmed the importance of the development of marine and ocean sciences, as well as of such an ocean monitoring center.

Regarding renewable energy, Minister Popov stressed the importance of expanding wind and solar energy in the country. Work continues towards decarbonizing the industry through investments and innovations to reduce carbon emissions, including through new technologies, energy efficiency, and the transition to clean energy. The French Ambassador stressed that in order to achieve decarbonization and energy efficiency, it is necessary to achieve a balance between nuclear, solar, and hydroelectric power.

Regarding the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Ms. Dumoulin stated that in order to address the current crisis, it is important to work on a long-term strategy to reduce emissions, while maintaining the current form of the ETS. Minister Popov noted that instruments, such as the ETS, should not be seen as a regulatory burden, but as a powerful driver for technological modernization and economic security. The scheme is a significant source of revenue for each Member State, which has the potential to activate additional investments in the decarbonization and modernization of European industry. Bulgaria is actively seeking the most effective mechanisms within the European framework to support industrial decarbonization and the development of clean technologies.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was also among the highlights of the conversation. Minister Popov informed that the CBAM can fulfill its role of protecting carbon-intensive industries against the risk of unfair displacement to countries with weaker environmental standards, but it is important for the Bulgarian state to closely monitor its implementation. Meetings are being held with representatives of the industry and state institutions relevant to the topic in order to take into account the different points of view when preparing a national position.

At the end of the meeting, the two expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in these areas and discuss the possibilities to this end.